Obituaries

Norma Frances DeSalles was born on October 8, 1928 and passed away on December 6, 2014. She was the only child of Dr. John and Lulu Bettencourt of Alvarado (now Union City).

Norma Attended Alvarado Grammar School and continued her secondary education at Washington High School, graduating in 1946 as class valedictorian. After graduation she attended San Jose State University, obtaining her teaching certificate in December of 1950.

On December 27, 1950 she married Everett DeSalles. They celebrated fifty years of marriage in 2000. Norma went to work for Decoto (later New Haven) School District in 1951 where she taught primary grades. She worked for Decoto School from 1951-58, Manuel White Elementary from 1958-69, Alvarado Elementary from 1969-80 and Pioneer Elementary from 1981 until her retirement in 1988 after thirty five years in the classroom.

Norma enjoyed the theater, fine dining, music, frequent trips to San Francisco, as well as overseas travel. This included trips to Europe, Asia, Mexico, New Zealand, Hawaii and The Azores. She took part in monthly "pot luck" get togethers with Fremont friends for almost sixty years. Norma and Everett attended San Francisco 49er home games from 1955-1999.

Norma is survived by her son Dr. Douglas DeSalles of Sacramento, daughter Cristi Valentino and son-in-law Thomas Valentino of Chico, Grandsons Steven Valentino of New York City and Kevin Valentino of Chico; also cousins Karyl Drennan of Camp Meeker, Dr. Lloyd Freitas of Saratoga and Dr. Stanley Freitas of Alameda. Her beloved husband Everett DeSalles passed away in 2001.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, January 20, at 6:30pm at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.