Miguel J. "Mike" Norero

Norero, Miguel  "Mike" J
Miguel “Mike” J. Norero of Albuquerque was blessed with a long and full life. He died March 18, 2015 at his home in Albuquerque surrounded by his wife, children and other loved ones. He was 91.
Family Tree
Mike was the youngest of 6 children born to Maria (Jimenez) Norero and Alejandro Norero at their family ranch on November 10, 1923 in San Juan (in the Mimbres valley area), NM. When Mike was very young, his mother died and Mike was cared for and reared by his aunt, Diega (Jimenez) Lara and her husband, Jose Lara (who had 11 children of their own) at their family farm in Arrey, NM. Mike’s family and his aunt and uncle were all very close; so, his cousins were regarded more as sisters and brothers. Later, when Mike’s father remarried, Mike’s half-sister and half-brothers added to his extended family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Carrie; his children, Karen Easley (and her husband Billy Easley preceded in death) of Moriarty NM, Carla Hart and husband Daryl of Rio Rancho, Thomas Norero and wife Violeta of Roseville, CA and Mike Norero and wife MaryAnn of Rio Rancho; 10 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. Mike is also survived by his brother Harry L. Lara and his wife Alicia Apodaca Lara of Boulder City, NV,; and his half-sister Lilly Pulsifer of Albuquerque, NM, and half-brothers: Gabriel Norero, Albuquerque, NM, Tony Norero, Deming, NM and Felix Norero, Bayard, NM.

Early Years
As a boy, Mike loved the farm. He participated in the 4-H club where he won several ribbons and medals for showing sheep and other farm animals. He also enjoyed the great outdoors. A favorite high school teacher recognized his artistic talent and was instrumental encouraging Mike to paint landscapes; a love he never relinquished and as such, became a well-respected artist. His works primarily are romantic realism landscapes which reflect his love and the spirituality he experienced with his native New Mexico, land of enchantment.

World War II Army Veteran
During WWII, Mike served his country as a Rifleman in the Army’s Company “E” 309th Infantry. He fought in the Rhineland Central Europe Theater and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, EAME Campaign Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, Overseas Service Bar, Good Conduct Medal and a Purple Heart Medal for wounds he received in combat. Upon his return, following the war, Mike became a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  

Marriage and Early Years
After the war, Mike met Carrie Luchini of the neighboring farming community of Derry New Mexico. They were married on September 2, 1951 and moved to Albuquerque to start their family while Mike completed his Associates Accounting Degree. They were members of the Queen of Heaven Catholic Parish in Northeast Albuquerque for over 30 years. Mike was hired as one of the first employees at the original Wellborn Paint Store on 2nd Street. Later Mike became the Regional Manager for Glidden Paint Company and was responsible for all the stores throughout the state. Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit then led him to co-founding “The Art Center” at Hoffmantown Shopping Center in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights. The business was anchored with an Art Supply Store but also included a separate Gallery and an Art School. Mike later sold his share of the business but stayed on to manage the enterprise. Mike was a well-known and active member of the vibrant New Mexico art community where he displayed his work in several galleries. Mike’s and Carrie’s children attended Queen of Heaven Catholic School, Del Norte High School and the University of New Mexico. After the kids were grown, Mike and Carrie moved to the West side of Albuquerque and have since been members of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

Gardener Extraordinaire
Mike was an accomplished gardener whose flowers and yard was the “envy” of many from all around. He brought new meaning to the “rock garden” technique as his yard was comprised of a series of rock gardens of various sizes and shapes with rocks collected from around the state, drift wood, sculptures, religious statutes, Native American artifacts and a rich array of flowers and plants of varying sizes and textures; all mixed in with vegetables, fruit trees, ornamental shrubs and a magnificent array of bird houses and feeders. He loved to deliver a daily bouquet of fresh flowers and roses to his wife, Carrie.

One of the Favorite’s  
It was common for his brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces to describe him as a favorite. In his unassuming way, he was kind, gentle, caring and had an intoxicating smile. He had a subtle yet powerful sense of humor. Mike never complained or felt sorry for himself. He didn’t have much but it was yours in a heartbeat if needed. He was first and last to lend a helping hand. He loved everyone and held no grudges. Mike also loved caring for animals and at varying times he had a pet bunny, turtle and dogs. He was close to God and followed him in every aspect of life; he prayed the rosary and read prayer books daily and attended Mass regularly.

Preceded in death
Mike is preceded in death by his daughter Darlene “Dinie” Norero, both sets of parents and the following brothers and sisters:

Sisters preceded in death:
· Magdalena (Norero) Estrada
· Lumina (Norero) Lucero
· Isabel (Lara) Parra
· Cecilia (Lara) Abila
· Carmen (Lara) Ogaz
· Marcelina (Lara) Otero
· Virginia (Lara) Chacon who was born within an hour of Mike and raised as his twin.

Brothers preceded in death:
· Alejandro Norero
· Eloy Norero
· Carlos “Charlie” Norero
· Genaro Lara
· Henry Lara
· Joe Lara
· Ramon “Raymond” Lara
· Pedro “Pete” Lara
· Lorenzo Norero, half-brother

Kind and Charitable
Mike is also remembered for being sensitive to those in need. Perhaps, being from such a large family was where he cultivated his spirit of generosity. Throughout his life, Mike gave to those around him when he learned of a need. His giving nature was experienced not only by family, but by friends and others outside of his familial circle. His presence will surely be missed by all who loved and knew him. "In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Vincent De Paul Society, Estancia Valley Parish, 505-832-6655."