Norma Ojeda

Norma was born on December 7th, 1953 in Humacao, Puerto Rico to Oramel and Florence Greene of Curran, Michigan. She grew up in the small mountain town of Luquillo just a short drive uphill from the ocean. Their home was located right on the edge of El Yunque National Rainforest where she lived with her parents, two older sisters Linda and Lexie, and her younger brother, Luis. Norma was a cute little girl and people would often joke about how, with her piercing blue eyes and light blonde hair, she stuck out amongst her Puerto Rican peers. She had a rich and joyful childhood, helping tend to the family garden, milking cows, and playing in the nearby streams and rainforest with her siblings and friends. Family gatherings were often filled with good food, music, and laughter. Often-times, when the neighbors were invited over, Norma would sing and play guitar alongside her dad while the others would play the tambourine or maracas all evening- A family tradition that still occurs today. Her parents ran the local church camp and devoted their life to humanitarian work around the world, so, she was exposed to various cultures growing up. She not only developed a keen understanding of people in general but also learned how to selflessly take care of those around her. After graduating from Luquillo High School in 1972, Norma attended the University of Puerto Rico where she received a bachelor’s degree in Humanities. In 1979, when Norma’s father accepted a position in Oklahoma City with the non-profit organization, World Neighbors, Norma decided to relocate there. Shortly after arriving in Oklahoma City, Norma met the love of her life, Jose Ojeda. After their first date, Jose and Norma spent every single day together for about 18 months claiming to have gone dancing every night until getting married in 1983. After tying the knot, they started a family and shared four sons, Mark, Sonny, Alexi, and Danny. From then on, Norma was the best mom and wife anyone could ever ask for. Although Norma was a stay-at-home mom, she was instrumental in helping Jose start and operate Shared Broadcasting Inc., a successful advertising company that they ran together for several years before retiring while the kids were still in school. They spent their summers watching the kids play baseball, never missing a game, and took vacations to the family farm in Michigan or to the beach in Destin, Florida. Norma had a soft spot for animals having two cats and multiple dogs, who, were mostly brought in off the street and given the best life possible. Jose and Norma were long time members of the Elks Lodge of Oklahoma City where they formed lifelong friendships with wonderful people. They enjoyed going out to dinner, playing cards, and of course, dancing in their free time. In 1993, Jose and Norma purchased a plot of land in Logan County, OK where they built a beautiful home and that became the family farm. The farm became a magical place for the kids’ growing up as they bonded over hunting, fishing, gardening, and tending to the land and orchard as a family just as Norma did as a child. Norma’s home was filled with love, family, and the incredible food that she prepared. Jose and Norma hosted every holiday even after the kid’s got older and started their own families. Every September, for over 30 years, the family looked forward to the ‘Yearly Dove Hunt’ where out of town relatives from California, Nebraska, and Florida would stay at the family farm for a whole week and Norma would take care of them all. Those who attended will say that it wasn’t really about hunting, but rather getting together as a family (and Norma’s cooking) that made it so special. At the end of the week, goodbyes were often accompanied with teary eyes, hugs, and kisses as guests would depart to their respective city after a gathering that always seemed too short. Norma had a way with children. In the last 11 years of her life, Norma found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren with whom she shared a special bond. Upon hearing the news that one of them was coming over, Norma would light up with excitement and eagerly await their arrival. She would then spend hours playing with them and spoiling them with cookies or ice cream. Above all, Norma and Jose were the definition of True Love and had a wonderful relationship. They did everything together. They never argued, always said I love you, laughed, and held hands often. Norma was Jose’s whole life and will always be considered the greatest wife, mother, and grandmother anyone could ask for. It is with great sorrow that we must say goodbye for now. She will be greatly missed by all but shall live on forever, in our hearts. Norma is preceded in death by her parents; Oramel and Florence Greene; and her sister Linda Greene. She is survived by her husband, Jose Ojeda; sons, Mark, Sonny, Alexi and wife Kristina, Danny and wife Leah; grandchildren, Conner, Olivia, Wyatt, and Costa Ojeda; sister, Lexi Greene; and brother, Luis Green. A celebration of life for Norma will be held Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Bill Merritt Funeral Service, 6201 Northwest 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008. If you wish to send flowers, please send here.