[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 52 (Friday, March 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF NORMA GONSALVES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ANDREW R. GARBARINO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 21, 2025

  Mr. GARBARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the 
life of Norma Gonsalves, who passed away on February 4, 2025, at the 
age of 90. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Norma's legacy of 
service to her community is a testament to her lifelong passion for 
helping others.
  Born in Brooklyn in 1934, Norma spent 25 years as an educator in the 
New York City school system, where she devoted herself to introducing 
her students to classic literature and the preforming arts. After 
moving to East Meadow with her husband John, Norma immersed herself in 
community engagement through her work with civic and volunteer groups, 
and founded the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations. In 
1998, Norma was elected to the Nassau County Legislature, where she 
represented Legislative District 13, including East Meadow, Salisbury, 
and parts of surrounding communities. During her nearly 20 years of 
service, Norma prioritized a bipartisan approach to public service and 
became the legislature's presiding officer in 2011. She championed 
initiatives to address drug addiction, support veterans, and reach out 
to the Hispanic community.
  Norma's unwavering passion for teaching and commitment to the well-
being of her community have left an immeasurably positive impact on 
those she served. Norma's legacy will live on in the community she 
helped build, the countless lives she touched with her work, and in her 
family. Norma is survived by her three children, Gregg, Dana, and 
Carin, and four grandchildren.

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