Vera Norton

December 19, 1938 - May 1, 2015

After a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, Vera (Zamora) Norton passed away on Friday, May 1, 2015. Vera was born December 19, 1938 in Brawley, CA. to Jessie and Juan Zamora. Vera grew up in Goleta and graduated from Santa Barbara High School. She worked at Hughes Aircraft which later became Santa Barbara Research Center. Vera enjoyed her work years and the many friends she made during that time. It was during her time at Santa Barbara Research that she met Gaylen Norton and they married in 1974. Vera and Gaylen enjoyed many happy years together. Vera loved travelling; from her ski trip to Switzerland to the road trips to Minnesota and around California. Vera was predeceased by her parents Jessie and Juan, her brothers Tony and Albert, her brother-in-law Silverio Viviar, her former sister-in-law Kathy, her 2 great-nephews Jeffrey Zamora and Trent Gerke. Vera is survived by her loving husband Gaylen and her sisters: Maggie (Zamora) Viviar and Terry (Zamora) Burden (Dave), sister-in-law Josie Zamora (Albert) and her brothers: Charlie (Debi), Frank (Lisa), Fred (Stacy), John (Kathy) and Joe (Sharon). She also leaves behind 2 former sister-in-laws; Leslie and Janie. A special thanks from the family to Janie for all of her help during Vera’s final days. Vera also leaves many beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and many wonderful friends. Vera loved all of her family and was always asking about all the children and the grandchildren. She became the Zamora family matriarch after her mother passed away. She was full of fun with a contagious smile and a giggle that made you want to laugh right along with her. She was the center of attention at the family gatherings and she will be greatly missed. We rejoice that her suffering is over and she is now enjoying everlasting peace and joy in Heaven. The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 13th at 10:00 am at St. Raphael’s Church located at 5444 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Following the church service a celebration of Vera’s life will be held at Tucker’s Grove Park located at 805 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93111.