Tributes

Norka E Malberg Franco, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, was born on June 10, 1946, in Puerto Rico. She graduated with a degree in Psychology and Special Education from the University of Puerto Rico and devoted her early career to working with Down Syndrome children, a cause close to her heart. She was a remarkable woman whose presence brought warmth, energy, laughter, and love to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Norka was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Horacio Franco Pabón and Norka T Martínez, and by the love of her life, her beloved husband, Tomas Malberg. She leaves behind her sister, Celis Franco-Raymer, her children, Norka Trudy, Melixa, and Tommy, and their spouses, as well as her four beloved grandchildren: Luis Tomas Nario- Malberg, Sebastian Nario-Malberg, Andre Tomas Malberg, and Aaron Lucas Malberg. To know Norka was to experience a woman who was loving, kind, thoughtful, selfless, and bright. Her energy was undeniable, and her spirit was felt by everyone whose life she touched-sometimes in profound ways, and sometimes in the smallest, simplest moments. She was the mother that all our friends wished they had. She devoted her life to her family, often putting some of her own dreams aside so that she could be the best wife and mother possible. She gave of herself without hesitation. She was fun, energetic, supportive, compassionate, loving, and strong. And one of her greatest gifts was her ability to find humor in almost any situation. She knew how to make people laugh, how to make them feel safe, and how to make them feel loved. Norka's love was not something you simply received-it was something you felt. She had a way of making the people around her feel seen, valued, and cared for. Her family was her greatest joy, and the love she poured into them will continue through every generation that follows. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and by the countless people whose lives she touched throughout her time on this earth. The impact she made cannot be measured by years or accomplishments, but by the love she left behind in the hearts of those who knew her. Norka's final wish was to be set free alongside the love of her life, our beloved father, in Boquerón, Puerto Rico-a place that holds some of our family's most treasured memories. It is fitting that the woman who gave us so much of herself will return to a place filled with the love, laughter, and memories that meant so much to her and to all of us. Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we will carry her with us. We will continue her legacy by facing life with courage, love, resilience, kindness, and humor. We will laugh because she taught us to find joy. We will love because she showed us what unconditional love looks like. We will be strong because she showed us how. Until we meet again, Mom, thank you for being not only the best mother we could have ever asked for, but an exceptional human being. We were the lucky ones. We were all so incredibly lucky to have you in our lives. Your love will remain with us, always. And though we say goodbye for now, it is not forever. We take comfort in knowing that this is not the end, but only a pause in our journey together. We will carry you in our hearts until the day we see you again. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Malberg family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Norka Franco Malberg

June 10, 1946 - August 13, 2026