Norma Gonsalves, a former Nassau County legislator, community leader, and educator, died on Feb. 4 in East Meadow. She was 90.
Born in Brooklyn on June 11, 1934, Gonsalves earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Joseph’s College for Women and later received a master’s degree from Hunter College and Brooklyn College. She spent 25 years as an educator in the New York City school system, primarily teaching English at a junior high school in Bushwick. Passionate about literature and the performing arts, she introduced students to classic plays, including Romeo and Juliet, and took pride in seeing some pursue acting careers.
In 1962, she married John Gonsalves, also an educator, and the couple moved to East Meadow, where they raised their family and remained for the rest of their lives. John passed away in 2019.
Beyond the classroom, Gonsalves was a dedicated community advocate. She was the founder of the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations and an active member of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, and other civic groups. She also served on advisory committees for the Nassau County Correctional Facility and the Town of Hempstead’s solid waste management efforts.
In 1998, Gonsalves was elected to the Nassau County Legislature, representing East Meadow and surrounding communities. A Republican, she served for 19 years and became presiding officer in 2011. She was known for her bipartisan approach and commitment to public service, championing initiatives such as the implementation of the NARCAN program, the establishment of a veterans clinic at Nassau University Medical Center, and outreach efforts for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Upon her retirement in 2017, she reflected on her years of service, saying, “It has been an honor to serve the taxpayers of the county and my constituents in the 13th (legislative district). Lowering crime and implementing the NARCAN program were two of the many public safety initiatives of which I am very proud. On a personal level, I take pride in establishing Hispanic Heritage Month and outreach to the Latino community, establishing a veterans clinic at Nassau University Medical Center, and sustaining the Cornell Cooperative Farm in East Meadow.”
Over her career, Gonsalves received numerous accolades, including the 2022 Town of Hempstead Pathfinder Award, the 1998 New York State Senate’s Woman of Distinction honor, and the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce’s 1999 Woman of the Year and 2015 Marvin Bernstein Humanitarian Award.
She is survived by her three children, Gregg, Dana, and Carin Gonsalves, and four grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Feb. 12 and 13 at Leo F. Kearns Funeral Home in East Meadow. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Feb. 14 at St. Raphael’s Parish.
