January 21, 1954 – June 06, 2020
information provided by Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home
Norma Rodriguez (nee Lopez), age 66 of Schererville, Indiana, formerly of Lansing, Illinois, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2020. She is survived by her beloved husband Dwayne “Dewey” Sullivan. Loving mother of Lauren Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez, loving step-mother of Tracie Jackson, and Brian Sullivan. Loving daughter of Luis Lopez. Cherished step-grandmother of Tyler Mills, and Brittany Thomas. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews. Norma was preceded in death by her loving loving mother Carmen (nee Fernandez) Lopez, brothers Luis Lopez, Ricardo Lopez, and sister Ada Acosta.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois from 3:00 to 6:00pm. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, we ask that you please limit your stay to 10 minutes. Funeral services for Norma will be held Friday, June 12, 2020, beginning with 9:30am closing prayers at the funeral home then proceeding to St. Ann Catholic Church, 3010 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois, for a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial with Father Mark Kalema officiating. Norma will be laid to rest at Southside Cemetery, Pontiac, Illinois.
Norma was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She believed in education and always bettering oneself. She taught for 34 years in the Chicago Public School System, she played an integral part in developing the Bilingual Educational Program. She impacted many children’s lives over the years with her caring, loving, and tender heart. She was a musician; she enjoyed painting, singing, and reading; she enjoyed traveling and living in Puerto Rico for many years. She was loved by many, and she will be truly missed.
Sending my blessings to a woman principal who I worked under for many years. She was gracious and caring and I’m sure she will be sorely missed by her family and her many friends. Norma was a wonderful person who I greatly admired and another class act who is gone too soon. You will be remembered always.
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I am saddened to learn of Ms. Lopez passing. She was my freshman English ESL teacher at Bowen HS. She made a great impact in my life and I am sure of countless other students. Her passion for education and dedication to the Hispanic community will always be remembered. My deepest sympathy and blessings to her family.
Norma was my Principal at Washington HS. She was classy and caring. My her memory be a blessing.
Norma was more than a best friend. She was part of my family. I worked with Norma for over 35 years. She was kind-hearted, caring, and a wonderful friend. She enjoyed teaching ESL and all her students loved her as a teacher because they learned how to speak English but most of all they knew she cared about them. She was a dedicated Principal and Administrator and worked tirelessly to make sure all students had a first-class education. Norma would always tell me her greatest blessings were her children and she would talk about how proud she was of them. She also shared how fortunate she was to have a loving husband like Dewey who took care of her. I will always remember all the great times we shared together with friends and family. Norma, will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure to know her. I’m very sadden about her passing but will always have great memories. I know her children, husband, family and friends are blessed to be part of Norma’s life. Many blessings and prayers go out to the family during this very difficult time.
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to Norma’s family. I will cherish her memory as a friend and former colleague, serving as educational leaders within Chicago Public Schools for many years … sometimes side by side. Norma was admired by many for her genuine and personable approach as she motivated those around her and those who worked for her … as she fulfilled her role as an effective educational leader. I am grateful God allowed our life paths to cross. Norma will truly be missed, but never forgotten. May she rest in peace and may God grant strength to her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Perfectly stated Angela. Thank you. May she rest in peace.
Norma was a friend and colleague. I was so happy when she became principal of George Washington High School as she was exactly what the community and students needed, a fierce advocate for all students. I was principal of Jane Addams at that time and it gave us great hope and promise in the community. Later when the Chicago Public Schools reorganized into Area Offices we became Are Instruction Officers together. Norma had the instructional knowledge for sure but more importantly she demonstrated the ability to motivate and inspire. Norma may you rest in peace and Dewey – it was so wonderful to see the two of you together. Your love for Norma is everlasting. Hugs to the family that I know (Lauren and Michael). Norma was always so proud of the two of you. Peace be with you,
Love,
Cynthia Barron
I am saddened to hear of Norma’s passing! She was such a good, honest, kind Principal; she was very kind to me . May her sweet soul be blessed; she always talked about her children with such pride,
I worked as the Management Support Director under the leadership of Norma Rodreguiz for four years. During the years I worked with Norma Rodreguiz I watched how she demonstrated commitment to building school principals’ capacity to lead high schools focused on increasing student achievement and establishing safe school climates and student-centered school cultures. Norma exemplified the qualities of an effective educational leader I respect and will miss.
Thank you Norma for sharing four wonderful years of your life with me and being a model of exemplary leadership.
Dr. Joyce Cooper
Condolences to the family. I worked with Norma while we were both Coaches for New Leaders for New Schools. She was a great lady, honorable and genuine. She was a terrific educator and dedicated to her profession. Rest In Peace Norma.
Norma was a colleague at Bowen H.S. She was such a caring and thoughtful person. Condolences to the entire family. So sorry that Norma has left us so soon.
Norma hired me to coach in the Area Office where she was the Chief. She took a chance on me, a rookie out of the classroom, and mentored and nurtured me – along with everyone on our team. I learned so much from her, but the real learning had more to do with being a good human. She was caring, passionate, encouraging, loyal, and treated people with respect, dignity, and concern for their well-being. She was a proud mother and was happiest when talking about her children. Norma was a great human being. I feel blessed that our paths in life crossed and I am better for it.