Norma Evans

NORMA PEREZ EVANS

March 10, 1932 — July 20, 2026

Norma Perez Evans, 94, of Sebring, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, with her grandson, Arian, at her bedside. 

Born in New York City on March 10, 1932, to the late Luis and Adriana Ruiz, Norma was for many years a resident of the Hudson Valley, New York, where she lived in the countryside of the Catskill Mountains. She later brought her vibrant and generous spirit to Florida, where she built a wonderful life filled with art, community, and deep connections. 

Norma had a fulfilling career dedicated to education, holding administrative positions at both SUNY New Paltz and Mount Saint Mary College. It was during her time at Mount Saint Mary College that she discovered her lifelong passion for art, eventually becoming an accomplished artist specializing in the pastel medium. 

In Florida, Norma became an active and beloved member of the Tanglewood community, taking part in many of its creative clubs and warmly embracing the fellowship of her friends and neighbors. Known for her gentle heart, she frequently lent assistance to those in need. She was also deeply involved in the Sebring art community and a passionate supporter of local artists, having sponsored scholarships in theater and art at both the Peter Powell Roberts Museum of Art and Culture and the South Florida State College Performing Arts Center. It was through this shared love of the arts that she met her partner, Ken Summers, with whom she devotedly spent the final years of her life. 

Norma was predeceased by her brother, Luis Ruiz, and by her two husbands: Frank Perez, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years of marriage, and Walter Evans, with whom she shared 18. She leaves behind a rich legacy of love. She is survived by her devoted partner, Ken Summers; her sister, Olga; her two children, Frank and Adrian; and her many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 3pm at Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home, 4001 Sebring Parkway, Sebring, Florida 33870. A celebration of her life will follow at Tanglewood, 3000 Tanglewood Parkway, Sebring, Florida 33872. 

The family invites you to come in Sunday dress. Please do not feel you must wear black — this is a celebration of her life, and she liked color.

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 Please let the family and friends know you are coming: 

normaperezevans.com

RSVP for both gatherings, view photographs, and read her story. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you leave a memory of Norma there — her family and her great-grandchildren will be able to read it for years to come.

Arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Sebring, Florida
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com