Norma G. Ayoub

“Friend or Enemy” were the first words you would hear on her answering machine, but to her, everyone was a friend. Norma G. Ayoub, affectionately called “Memo” or “Tia Tootsie,” passed away with her children by her side Monday evening. She was born in Galveston, Texas and grew up in El Paso’s Segundo Barrio. She led an unconventional life. At age 14, her first job was setting up pins and dodging bowling balls at Mogul’s Bowling Alley. She later went on to operate the manual switchboard at Plaza Hotel. She worked at Franklins, and then at Lerners, where she received recognition for opening the most new accounts in Texas. She dedicated her later years to giving back to the community beginning with owning “La Parranda Bar” and “Norma’s Lounge,” where she maintained order by sprinkling Holy Water on troublemakers. She then joined Texas Agriculture Extension Service as a nutrition educator. She moved to the Latch Key program at Alamo Elementary, where she was recognized by the city of El Paso with the Fiesta Caliente Award. She proudly attended Bowie High. In her later years, she earned her high school diploma and a college associates degree. She often gave back to the neighborhood where she grew up believing that “charity starts at home.” Whether collecting jackets and shoes for needy kids or giving food to the homeless, she always thought of others. Most importantly, she was the family matriarch and inspiration. She is survived by her sons: Theodore, Moses (Carolynne), Richard, Mark (Sylvia) and daughter: Norma Jean; grandchildren: Elizabeth, David, Lawrence (Sandra), Lisa, Christina, Teddy Jr., Emily, Bryan and Lilli Ayoub. Sister-in-law: Magda Gonzales and cherished nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home- Northeast with a vigil at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2008 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church. Her burial will be immediately afterward at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Service entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.