Norma Felisilda Retener - Obituary

orma Retener was born on June 15, 1947, at the U.S. Naval Base at Subic Bay, Philippines, to Pedro and Lourdes Felisilda. She graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1968 and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1969. She began her nursing career in New York City, where she married the love of her life, Almosfred Retener. They married in 1972 and eventually made their home in Maryland, where they raised their two sons, Norfred and Norman. Norma dedicated more than thirty-five years to caring for critically ill veterans in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Washington, D.C. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Nursing was more than a career to her; it was a calling. She cared for every patient with compassion, skill, and quiet strength, earning the respect of her colleagues and the gratitude of countless patients and families. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Following her retirement, she devoted even more of her time to serving her parish by teaching CCD, serving as a eucharistic minister, assisting the religious sisters, providing rides to fellow parishioners, and faithfully participating in the life of the Church. She believed that caring for others was one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to live out her faith. Above all, Norma was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who expressed her love through quiet acts of kindness, generosity, and unwavering support. Whether caring for family members during illness, preparing a comforting meal, or simply making sure everyone else was taken care of before herself, she found joy in serving others. Norma is survived by her beloved husband, Almosfred; her sons, Norfred and Norman; her daughters-in-law; her cherished grandchildren; her brother and sisters; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends, former colleagues, and fellow parishioners whose lives were enriched by her kindness and faith. Her family gives thanks to God for the gift of her life and the example she leaves behind. Though she will be deeply missed, they find comfort in Christ's promise of the Resurrection and pray that she now rests in the eternal peace of the Lord. "Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen." A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Norma on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment St. Mary's Piscataway Church Cemetery, Clinton, MD.