Norma Cordero-Santiago, born October 28, 1936, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, was the youngest of eight children to Faustino Cordero and Dolores Santiago. Raised by her eldest brother Laureano and his wife Petra in her early years, Norma later moved to Rio Piedras with her mother and stepfather during her tween years. Though she attended elementary and middle school, she left to work as a seamstress to support her family. Driven by her dreams, she packed her one suitcase and arrived in New York City in 1955, even though she didn't speak English.

Reuniting with her brother Laureano and friends, Norma began dating her childhood friend Angel Michael Miller, with whom she shared three children: Jeannette, Michael, and Howard Reed. After Angels passing, she met Jose Juan Padilla, and they had three children: Miriam Ruth, Jose, and Yvette.

Norma had a passion for sewing, music, cooking, and television. A fashion enthusiast, she always accessorized her outfits with matching handbags and jewelry. Her musical tastes ranged from Salsa legend Johnny Albino to Motown groups, Michael Jackson, and 80s artists. A master in the kitchen, she excelled in making holiday meals like Pasteles and Arroz Con Gondules. Her favorite pastimes included watching game shows like "Jeopardy", "Lets Make A Deal", "Price is Right'', "Family Feud" and cheering on the Yankees, especially players like Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams, and "Mr. October'' Reggie Jackson.

An avid adventurer, Norma loved being outdoors. You'd often see her with her little red shopping cart, heading to the supermarket or window shopping along Pitkin Avenue and Downtown Brooklyn. She also enjoyed visiting casinos and playing her favorite slots like "Quick Hits", and "Fireball". A green thumb, she nurtured both indoor and outdoor plants, particularly fond of Gardenias, Azaleas, Roses, Aloe Vera, and Spider Plants. A devoted Catholic, Norma regularly attended St. John and St. Sylvester Churches in Brooklyn and St. Stephen Church in Riverview, Florida.

After a courageous battle with Dementia, Norma passed away peacefully on April 27, 2024, at the age of 87. A woman with a big heart, Norma touched the lives of many. She was preceded in death by her parents Faustino Cordero and Dolores Santiago, her brothers Laureano, Raul, Faustino and sisters Emma, Victoria, Elsa Edith, and Sildana. Norma will be deeply missed by her daughters Jeanette Miller, Miriam Ruth Padilla-Ocana, and Yvette Padilla, her sons, Michael Miller, Howard Reed Miller, and Jose Padilla. She is also survived by the following grandchildren and grand pets: Efrain Echevarria Jr., Victor Echevarria, Jeannette Miller-Zito, Ricardo Miller, and Jessica Miller (passed), Michael Miller Jr., Howard Reed Miller Jr., Melody Miller, Joshua Pagan, Matthew Miller, Amanda Miller, Faith Miller, Josephine Padilla, Evelyn Yvette Padilla, Feline Pets (Sonny and Susie) and several great and great-great grandchildren.

Norma uniquely impacted everyone she encountered. A true Scorpio at heart, she was passionate, independent, strong-minded, and vibrant, never afraid to speak her truth. With a "tough love" demeanor, she embodied the saying "actions speak louder than words." As we say goodbye to this incredible woman, let us remember the lessons she taught us and continue celebrating her spirit and legacy.

Calling/Visitation Hours
Monday, May 6, 2024
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Mass
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Stephens Catholic Church
10118 St Stephen Cir,
Riverview, FL 33569