Norma Lee Wessell

WESSELL, NORMA, 97, born in Nebraska and longtime resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025. Norma is joined in heaven with her husband Jack, her son Kenny and her parents, Herbert and Beulah, her brother Ardell and sister Portia. Norma is survived by her children: Jeff (Sandra) Wessell, Carol (Stanley) Lopez, and Joan Garcia; her grandchildren, Jeff (Jenni) Wessell, Desiree (Crios) O'Cleireachain, Eva (Tim) Martellini, Robert Espinoza, David Espinoza, Amanda (Zac) Gilbert, Kenny Wessell, Kevin Wessell, Austin Wessell, Alexsis Wessell, Toby Wessell, Andrew Wessell, Phillip (Sarah) Lopez, Brian (Annie) Lopez, Eric (Audra) Lopez, Thea (Billy) Parrish, Tracey Lee (Kimble) Scott, Gorden Garcia and Pete (Kay) Garcia Jr; 37, great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. Norma is also survived by her dog Precious; her little companion, and partner in crime. Norma was a truly cherished figure, embodying the roles of a wonderful mother, an amazing grandma, a devoted sister, and a beloved aunt to countless nieces and nephews.

Norma lived a life overflowing with love, laughter, and unwavering faith. She took immense pride in her early career, attending Beautician School and managing Wessell Motor Co., a used car dealership she co-owned with Jack. Her greatest joy, however, was raising her children; her eyes sparkled when speaking of her beloved sons, Jeff and Kenny, and daughter, Carol, and their beautiful families. She adored each of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, holding immense pride in all of them and sharing unique bonds with each of them. Norma deeply valued her siblings, the friendship she shared with her brothers Larry, and Ardell, and sister Wilma, feeling truly blessed by their connection.

She loved her sweets, her ice cream and those giant containers of Jelly Beans, were never enough. She always had Milky Ways on hand. She used to say it was for the ladies that took care of her but she too enjoyed her chocolate. Norma's legacy is one of profound love for her family and the rich life she lived.

Loved by so many, her passing leaves a deep void, but her memory will remain forever by those lives she touched.

Sermon provided by niece Glena Slagle

Pallbearers: Jeff Wessell, Sr, Jeff Wessell, Jr., Eric Lopez, Timothy Martellini, Zac Gilbert, and David Espinoza

Honorary Pallbearers: Desiree O'Cleireachain, Eva Martellini, Amanda Gilbert and David Espinoza, Jr.

On behalf of French Funerals and Cremations, we express our deepest condolences.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10 a.m. at FRENCH – Lomas. Interment to follow at 11:30 at Sunset Memorial Park. There will be a Celebration of Life to follow, family will provide details at the services.