Norma Gonsalves, Former Legislator, Teacher, Dies At 90

MINEOLA, NY — Norma Gonsalves served the public for decades as an elected official and a teacher. She died on Feb. 4 at age 90.

Gonsalves started her career in education, spending 25 years in the New York City public school system.

She married John Gonsalves in 1962, the same year they moved to East Meadow, where she lived until her death, the funeral home's obituary said.

When she retired from teaching in 1998, Gonsalves was elected to the Nassau County Legislature. The Republican represented East Meadow and surrounding communities for the next 19 years, including as Presiding Officer in 2011.

"The members of the Legislative Minority Caucus were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former colleague Norma Gonsalves," Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D–Glen Cove) said. "Norma served her community with great passion and intensity for nearly two decades as a Legislator and seven years as Presiding Officer, and we extend our deepest condolences and prayers to her family and loved ones as they continue to grieve her loss."

She achieved several awards in her career including the 2022 Town of Hempstead Pathfinder Award and the 1998 Woman of Distinction from the New York State Senate.

Gonsalves is survived by her three children and four grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are complete.

Visiting hours will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 and Thursday, Feb. 13 at Leo F. Kearns Funeral Home in East Meadow.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 9:45 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 at St. Raphael’s Parish in East Meadow.