Norma Reyes 1956-2013
Norma Ida Reyes, age 56, died suddenly in her sleep of a massive stroke on Monday, May 6th, 2013.
Norma was born in Chicago and raised in the Humboldt Park area. Her mother, Clara Luz Reyes, raised seven children on her own. Both of Norma's foster parents, Paddy and Barry McNamara were attorneys and she followed in their footsteps by becoming an attorney.
Norma earned her Bachelors and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Notre Dame. She began her legal career working in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and rose through the ranks, eventually attaining the title of Supervisor of the Juvenile Division.
In 1990, Mayor Richard M. Daley hired Ms. Reyes as Senior Counsel in the Law Department where she eventually became Deputy Corporation Counsel. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety, Buildings Commissioner, and Commissioner of Consumer Services/Business Affairs and Consumer Protection before retiring in June 2011. Norma then became Senior Executive Vice President for Taxi Affiliation Services, LLC.
Norma was respected for her political acumen, administrative abilities and fearless determination. She was a favorite of many Aldermen for her fair approach to constituents' services. During her tenure as Commissioner of Consumer Services, she was a strong advocate in the taxicab industry for the accessibility of persons with disabilities.
Norma was also a past President of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, a board member of the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, Chicago Abused Women Coalition, Access Living and a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, International Association of Transportation Regulators, Chicago Council of Lawyers and the City Club of Chicago.
Norma had a wide circle of friends from every area of her life. Her generosity to her family and friends knew no bounds. She was a phenomenal career mentor for many. Norma enjoyed traveling and just returned from a trip to New Orleans with her best friend Patricia Jackowiak and several family members.
Her partner, Joan Carver, died in 2008. She is survived by her loving sister Lillian, her brothers Attorney Edwin Reyes, Barry (and his wife Stephanie), Antonio and Samuel. Her sister Nydia predeceased her. Norma was an enthusiastic aunt who loved being with her nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed going to the movies and dancing with her nephews Kevin, Jacob and Damien and her niece Kamryn. She was immensely proud of her older niece Natalie and nephew Anthony who went on to careers in public health and law enforcement. Norma is also survived by her nephews Dominic, Zachary, Marcos and Noble Jr. and nieces Michelle, Clara Luz and Dorothy.
Norma was devoted to her dogs, Schaeffer, Simon and Ruby. We will all miss her infectious smile and her energetic love of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Norma's favorite charities, the Puerto Rican Bar Association, 2332 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647, the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, 3015 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622 or Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60654. For additional info 773-736-3833 or visit Norma's memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com.