Our dear Norma passed away peacefully last Thursday, April 20. She was diagnosed with cancer five months ago and for the past three months she was under the watchful eyes and care of hospice and a residential facility in Cupertino, CA. Norma was born at Rideout Hospital in Marysville, California, in August 1950. She was number seven of the nine children born to Dorothy and Carl Durrett. The family lived in Dobbins until a dwindling number moved to Downieville in the summer of 1962 when Norma was 12 years old. Though she left Downieville just 7 years later, many may remember her for her sometimes gentleness and vulnerability and sometimes outgoing and vivacious nature. With her long stride and determination she was able to battle her way forward through life's many adversities. After leaving Downieville Norma moved to San Francisco, where she worked for two years, married, and had her two babies then moved to Sunnyvale where she remained until leaving her home on January 1 of this year. Norma was preceded in death by our parents, Dorothy and Carl; brothers Charles, Billy, Lester and Rodger, and her four legged friends Bambi and Gizmo. She is survived by sisters Cheryl and Ardis; brothers Butch and Mike; nieces Diane Durrett, Cherri Lynn Cilluffo (Paul), Suzanne Durrett, and Rachael Durrett; nephews Chuck Durrett, Carl Durrett, Brad Durrett, Patrick Drescher, David Durrett, Brian McDermid, and Rodney Durrett. The list goes on to include many grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as great grandnephews. Norma is also survived by her daughter Erica Acevedo, son Jimmy Acevedo; granddaughters Cecelia Gallaher (Sean) and Sophia Acevedo; and grandsons James Acevedo and Adam Acevedo. And last but not least, her constant companion, Archie (the Chihuahua ) who remains in the care of Auntie Ardis. Norma's hospice case manager, social worker, bather, music therapists, as well as the facility staff , were very attentive to her needs and kept her comfortable and pain free. They also became quite attached to her in her last three months they knew her. Norma held on to her Methodist beliefs throughout her life and chose to have her services at the Sunnyvale United Methodist Church. She never did care for cut flowers - she "didn't like watching them die." She passionately asked that in lieu of flowers please donate to The Humane Society of Silicon Valley, located in Milpitas, CA. Donations can be made at www.hssv.org/tribute in Norma's honor.1950-2023
