Norma Claudia Brambilla

Norma Orecchia Brambilla May 22, 1922 – October 21, 2011 Resident of San Mateo Norma Orecchia Brambilla was born May 22, 1922 in San Mateo, CA, a first generation Italian-American. Her parents, Jerome and Josephine Orecchia, emigrated from Italy. Norma attended Lawrence grammar school in San Mateo and went to San Mateo High School for three years. She graduated her senior year from Sequoia High School in Redwood City. As a teenager, she worked at the Enterprise Bakery in Redwood City. She married Caesar Brambilla July 12, 1942. They lived in Vallejo, and she worked on Mare Island during WWII. Shortly after the birth of her first child, they moved to San Mateo in 1946. For most of her life, she was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She was a partner in Orbrams grocery store in San Carlos with her husband. After that, she worked at Petrini's Bakery from 1967 to 1978. Her passions were her family and cooking. She and her husband traveled extensively. Norma was adored by her friends and family alike. She liberally dispensed hugs, cookies, favors and smiles. She was fiercely loyal. She lost her beloved husband of 63 years, but bravely continued on. She set an example of dignity, yet had a wicked sense of humor. Into her 80's, she beat the pants off anyone who played Scrabble with her. She was a woman of uncommon character, who made everyone whose life she touched better. She brought sunshine to the world. Norma is survived by her beloved brothers, Jerome Orecchia, and (adopted) Nathan Lopez, daughter and son-in-law, Dee and Tom Hamill, daughter Victoria Martin, grandchildren Christian (Kat) Hamill, Joel (Teri) Hamill, Angela (Jay) Crossland, Douglas Martin and Annalisa Martin; and great- grandchildren Alicia, Christianna, Jackie, Michaela and Logan Hamill, Garrett, Wyatt and Laurel Crossland. Friends are invited to attend a Vigil at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Sneider & Sullivan & O'Connell's Funeral Home, 977 So. El Camino Real in San Mateo. A Graveside Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2011 at Skylawn Memorial Park, Highway 92 at Skyline in San Mateo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any childrens charity. SNEIDER & SULLIVAN & O'CONNELL'S FUNERAL HOME (650) 343-1804