Norma M. Arzaga's Obituary
Norma M. Arzaga, age 87, of Waikapū, Maui, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Maui Memorial Hospital. She was born on April 19, 1938, to Pegelio and Mary Arzaga.
Norma shared an extraordinary bond with her identical twin sister, Connie, and was the eldest of five sisters, including Betty, Nellie, and Judy. Together, Norma and Connie remained single and became the beloved “extra mothers” to generations of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Fondly known to many as the “librarian twin,” she was simply Aunty Norma to her family—a second mother, guide, and steady source of unconditional love.
A graduate of Saint Anthony High School, Class of 1956, Norma continued her education in Davenport, Iowa, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 and later a Masters in Library Science. She later joined the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in Ottumwa, Iowa, where she served for nine years before returning home to Hawaiʻi and beginning her lifelong vocation in education.
Norma dedicated over thirty years to the Hawaiʻi Department of Education and retired in 2002 from ʻĪao School, where she served for decades as the school librarian. Her love of reading, quiet encouragement, and steady presence made her a cherished figure to generations of students and staff.
A devout Catholic, Norma prayed daily and faithfully received the Sacraments, even when she could no longer attend Mass regularly. Her faith shaped her life of humility, generosity, and service. She cherished time with her family on the Waikapū family compound and was known for always making sure others were cared for—especially her parents, grandparents, sisters, and the many children in her life.
Norma enjoyed reading, traveling to Las Vegas, watching old western movies, listening to Hawaiian music, playing Scrabble and Word Feud, and baking. Her mango bread, zucchini bread, and signature layered Jell-O dessert were family favorites. She loved the color red and treasured her jade jewelry.
Norma is survived by her youngest sister Judy Alconcel; nieces and nephews Tanya (Lee) Barbero, Christine (Bill) Barendrick, Joseph Alconcel, Jr., Trina (John) Napaepae, Nathan Pellazar, Jr., Chad Alconcel, Letitia (Lance) Tsukimura, Leah (Kaleo) Dancil, Celeste (Barney) Mollena, and Tanisha (Philip) Locke; along with 23 grand-nieces and nephews and 19 great-grand-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Pegelio and Mary Arzaga; sisters Nellie Pellazar, Connie Arzaga, and Betty Arzaga-Johnson; brother-in-law Nathan Pellazar, Sr.; brother-in-law Joseph Alconcel, Sr.; and niece Nadine Pellazar.
Services: Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anthony Church, Wailuku, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Maui Memorial Park at 12:30 p.m.
Condolence messages may be sent to: Tanya Barbero, 1627 Mill Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
What’s your fondest memory of Norma?
What’s a lesson you learned from Norma?
Share a story where Norma's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Norma you’ll never forget.
How did Norma make you smile?
