Storybook ending to a timeless romance

The wheels squeak as Norma is rolled down the hall and into her husband’s room. The two joined hands as they did the day of their wedding, vowing till death do them part. Two elongated beeps seared the room as Norma and Louis departed together. Complications due to COVID-19 had stripped their lives. 

Norma L. Barrera Adrian was born on Oct. 3, 1949 in Falfurrias, Texas. Her husband Louis was born a year earlier on Oct. 18, 1948 in Premont, Texas. Young love found its way into the hearts of Norma and Louis in 1964 at a carnival in Falfurrias, Texas. Since then, the duo had been inseparable.

“She and my dad were just so close, they wanted to do everything together. Even when the three of us [their kids] were around, they still wanted to be together… They [doctors and nurses] were asking us questions like ‘Did they have wheelchairs?’ My brother was like ‘Oh hell no.’ They were oldest teenagers that I know. They were teenagers their whole life,” Giovanni Adrian, eldest son, said. 

The relationship between Louis and Norma was something out of a movie. A clash in taste of music, style and views the duo was a perfect match. Meeting at every carnival they could during their early years, their lives held a promising future.  Shortly after their wedding, the Adrians gave birth to Giovanni, the eldest, and years later to Veronica and Luis Jr.

The family of five was heavily musically inclined. At any time of year, the Adrians could bust out into a performance. Norma and Louis in particular loved to sing mariachi duets together.

“There’s nothing more powerful than a mother’s love…My mom, she was a foundation. She made sure that everybody was taken care of. She prayed the rosary for us every day on the road. And every night my dad would do it,” Giovanni Adrian said.

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The tunes of the once lively and melodic Adrians were slowly put to rest. 

“The doctors and nurses called, and they were like ‘hey your mom and dad are mimicking each other’s illness. Your mom does one thing, and your dad does it, too. Your dad does it and your mom does it, too. 

“It’s like they’re trying to die together.’ So, we came to an agreement that we would just go ahead and unplug the machines. So, they were going to put them in an ocean view room and unplug the machines. But unfortunately, there was no way my dad could’ve lasted long enough. There was no way they could transport him from one room to that room without him dying on the way there. So, they went ahead and brought my mom to my dad, and they put their hands together,” Giovanni Adrian recalled. 

The passing of Norma and Louis Adrian was tragic for not only the whole family, but their friends and Norma’s colleagues and students. 

Norma had worked at Texas A&M University Kingsville for 20 years and was a proud alumnus. She began working with the Talent Search department in 2000. 

Education was very important to her, especially the academic success of the students she worked with. During her time working at Talent Search, she aided students from West Oso and San Diego high schools in finishing their secondary level of education and going to college. Norma made sure the students knew that she cared about their success and wellbeing, and in return, the students showed her respect and love.

Norma not only had a connection with her students, but with her colleagues as well. Norma brought eminent joy, positivity and enthusiasm in the workplace. She took the time to have meaningful conversations with her coworkers and connect with them on a deeper level. 

“I first met Norma in September, two years ago. That’s when I came on board with Student Access. My first memory of meeting Norma was during our first meeting, and Norma was just joyful, as she always was, and very welcoming. It was clear to me that Norma cared deeply about the students and the students’ success,” Associate Vice President of Student Access Maria Martinez said as she recounted stories and memories she created with Norma and the accomplishments she made. 

“She had this amazing way with people in terms of letting them know that she cared about them in ways that were unique to that person. She was always interested in what was going on in people’s lives and she was a very supportive colleague,” Martinez said.

The passing of Norma impacted many: her family, friends, colleagues, students and the university. 

“That healing process is going to take a long, long time. She left a huge heart shaped giant whole in Student Access. When you walk down the hall and ask people ‘how’re you doing,’ often times they’ll share a story,” Martinez said.

Stacy Scarborough, an academic success coach in Student Access, worked alongside Norma and worked with students from H.M. King and Robstown high schools, Scarborough witnessed firsthand the impact Norma had on her students. The students adored her, and Norma knew them all by name. Students who had graduated would run up to her and embrace her. 

“Professionally she was amazing. Personally, she was better,” Scarborough said. 

“She made me, not just as an employee feel valued but as a person feel valued. I knew that I could go to her for absolutely anything.”

Beloved by family, friends, students and colleagues, Norma and Louis Adrian are survived by many and will live on in the memories and hearts of everyone they had an impact on.