June 19, 1941 – March 21, 2023
MANTEO — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Norma Eliana Barreto at the age of 81 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
Norma was born in 1941 to Julio Zafra, Sr. and Juana Barreto in Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru. She worked at the Atlas / Generali insurance company in Lima, Peru for many years until 1995 when she came to the US to live alongside her parents and siblings. After that, she worked in several places, her last job being at First Flight High School. As Parkinson’s progressed, she could no longer work, and she chose to retire in 2018.
Norma lived with Parkinson’s for the last years of her life and fought bravely and gracefully.
Norma will always be remembered for her strong mind and wit. She was a fearless, passionate, supportive, and protective mother and grandmother. Her knowledge and guidance were the foundation of her family. Norma committed herself and dedicated her life to caring for her family, spending many years prioritizing their needs well above her own.
Her granddaughters were the light of her life, and she had a sacred bond with her sisters, especially with Noelia which was like no other.
She was married to Juan Barreto, who preceded her in death only 3 months prior to her passing. The two were married in 1970 and spent a wonderful 53 years taking care of each other thoughtfully. Norma is now resting in peace with her husband, parents, and granddaughter Christine Crabtree.
Norma leaves to mourn her passing: daughters Giovanna Calvillo (Luis), Cynthia Crabtree (Chad), grandchildren Luis Calvillo Jr, Catherine Crabtree, Ciara Crabtree, Amariah Calvillo, brothers Julio Zafra Jr (Enma), Juan Julio Zafra (Maria Nancy), sisters Noelia Zafra, Blanca Zafra, Maria Serna, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Mamá Normita, everyone here is heartbroken and grieving deeply that you are gone, all the while we are happy because you are now free and at peace. You and dad are now reunited in heaven. We will always love and miss you until we can be in your arms once again.
A celebration of Norma’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at Twiford Colony Chapel, Manteo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dare County Social Services In-Home Aide Services program and Amedisys Hospice. These agencies’ incredible staff consistently went above and beyond to make sure our mother had the best quality of life in her final days.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
