Our dear mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and teacher passed peacefully from the loving arms of her family into the eternal embrace of her Lord and Savior at Rhode Island Hospital on Saturday, May 16, 2020. She was the sixth family member taken from us by the deadly coronavirus, COVID 19.
Born in Puerto Rico to the late Dimas Perez and Marcelina Prizarro, she was raised there together with her five siblings, Digna, Jose C., Pedro, and the late Maria and Damania in a strong but struggling family. She enjoyed a happy childhood in a traditional and loving home and was educated in local schools. A life-long learner, reader, and hard worker, she earned a Masters of Education Degree from the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedros.
Gifted with innate happiness, compassion, two hands for helping, and a real passion for teaching, she enjoyed a long career as a Kindergarten Teacher at Celso Gonzales-Vallant School in Loiza, P.R., retiring after 30 years of dedicated and distinguished service to her many students and colleagues. Following that, she relocated to the US, first residing in California and later in Taunton, MA, before settling in Providence.
Nora was all about family and a role model for single mothers: fiercely independent, incredibly strong, resilient, and resourceful yet extremely humble, loving, and kind. Her character is her legacy and her legacy is a family set on the right path for life inspired and demonstrated by her extraordinary example and outstanding humanitarianism in both PR and the USA.
‘La Mujer de Fuego’ is not only associated with her favorite pop star, Olga Tanon, but describes Nora wearing something red on the dance floor with her ‘bachata’ in hand - when she wasn’t using it to scold disobedient children, that is! A modern-day multi-tasker, she was also known to clean while dancing and listening to Merengue. And, yes, she could be a bit of a diva and a fashionista, and took pride in her appearance especially when the occasion called for make-up which she would meticulously apply.
An accomplished seamstress and dressmaker, she took pride in the many outfits and school uniforms she made for her family and others over the years. Nora was also a fantastic cook with traditional ethnic dishes her specialty. She also loved coloring pictures, braiding hair, spending quality time with family, and helping others in a variety of ways.
Most of all, though, she was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and mentor, teaching those she loved and cared for to never stop believing in themselves, to remain positive, strong, and faithful, and to courageously pass through each of life’s dark tunnels seeking the light that would surely be there at the other end. We trust that Nora is now enjoying the eternal light at the end of the many
tunnels through which she passed and a life exceptionally well lived. R.I.P. Mourning her passage are her beloved children, Jose Osorio-Perez of Providence, Daniel Osorio-Perez in New York, and Karen Rojo in Puerto Rico, and 10 adoring grandchildren.
Funeral services and a celebration of Nora’s life will take place in Puerto Rico at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Berarducci Home & Cremation CareCenter in Providence. Visitation and flowers are respectfully omitted.