The day Norma & family moved in next door to me, I brought over a homemade banana bread. That was the beginning of a beautiful and long lasting friendship we enjoyed since they moved in at 9121 Brier Road La Mesa in the early 1970's.We had a lot in common. We both worked for San Diego Unified School District as teachers. We both loved music: she was a pianist, and I loved to sing. We both loved animals. When they moved next to me, they brought with them 4-5 pekinese dogs . Her favorite was Sable which had a very loud shrill cry.We enjoyed being with her family, and celebrated holidays, birthdays, and other events that are part of life. We were close to her family, and extended family as well. We were Jewish, and they were of Mexican American decent and of the Catholic faith. We were so close, that we were like family. We enjoyed our traditions, along with theirs. Our mothers became very close friends as well.Through all of what life has to offer, we shared together. One of the fun things we enjoyed was the July fourth celebration on Brier Road. We all participated in the parade with our playing an instrument, singing, whatever our talents were. Our picnic afterward was the celebration all our neighbors shared together. I remember when Norma worked all day long, and then went to San Diego State University at night for advanced degrees. I remember her musical gifts helped her to be in charge of many school programs.I remember during political elections discussing the issues to get her opinion of it all. Our discussions proved very invaluable to me.I remember Norma sitting down at her piano playing Christmas carols, and accompanying whomever wanted to participate. Likewise, we celebrated Chanukah making and eating Latkes (potato pancakes). We learned to appreciate each other's culture. It made me a better person.Norma loved going to a book club on Brier Road. That was so important to her.She also made me aware of The San Diego Tax payer's Association related to proposition 13, and keeping it in tact.Norma had such a beautiful personality. She was intelligent, a loving mother, wonderful friend, the best of teachers, loyal wife, a great mentor, a kind person, accepting of other people of all kinds, a great investor buying real estate, high minded, and a loyal friend that I will love forever. I will always love her husband Louis, and their children. I will miss speaking with her, and being with her as a dear friend. She was the essence of all that was good, and she loved the hispanic culture that she was raised in. I hope that I can be as strong as she was, and be a good example to my family as she was to hers. May you rest in peace my dear friend.