Norma Jean Belay, 74, of New Bedford passed away on Tuesday January 24, 2023 surrounded by loved ones.
Born and raised in New Bedford, Norma was the daughter of the late Adalberth S. and Anna (Freitas) Rozario. Norma is survived by children, her daughter Tamiko “Tammy” Bland, son Ryan Bland and his fiancée Ellyn Gallant, and daughter Trina Bulgar as well as by her stepchildren, Rudy, India and Curtis Bulgar. She is also survived by her siblings, Phyllis Rozario, Adalberth J. “Chucky” Rozario, and Maria Rozario and her husband Marián Szulga. Norma also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as countless family members and friends whom she loved without measure.
Norma graduated from New Bedford High School and later went on to attain her bachelor’s degree from Southern Massachusetts University (SMU) where she was part of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Norma then received her Master of Education degree from Bridgewater State University. Norma was a dedicated educator, recently retiring from the New Bedford Public School system where she taught as a Special Education teacher.
Norma was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church and an active member of the Cape Verdean Recognition Day Parade Committee and the Martha Briggs Educational Club. Throughout her life, Norma was a member of various drum and bugle corps as well as color guards. More than anything, Norma enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially supporting her grandchildren in all of their endeavors, in which she took tremendous pride.
For many years Norma was a cheerleading coach and coordinator for the New Bedford Bears Pop Warner Team and played a huge role in the SouthCoast Storm II Allstar competitive cheerleading gym. Norma, or “Ma” as they called her, never missed a competition; she was their biggest fan.
Norma’s positive influence spread far and wide, touching countless lives. Her legacy of strength, love, loyalty and kindness will forever live on. She will be missed more than words can express.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday February 4th at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Friday February 3rd from 3-7 PM. Flowers are acceptable or donations in her memory may be made to the Martha Briggs Educational Club Scholarship Fund. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.