Thursday, August 30, 2018
Like Richard, I too met Norine in 5th grade at Saint Cecilia Elementary. We became instant friends and established a posse of close friends that included Lisa Orsino, Richard Baquero, Dolores Vicari, Edward delos Santos, and myself. We had amazing parties and get togethers at our parents and walked several municipalities together as a troupe of thirteen-year-old precious delinquents just to reach Two Guys department store in Hakensack. During the last years, Norine became my confidant. She offered grounded advice that was based on the fact that she sincerely cared. I will always hear her voice telling me not to engage with negative people and to love myself because she does. Her support is immeasurable. It now resides in my heart and my head and I'm not letting go. I cannot fathom what it is like to lose Noine as a sister or as a daughter. But as a life friend the loss is profound.
