Norma Clark 'Noni' Pacheco

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Norma Clark “Noni” Pacheco

January 27, 1933 ~ February 1, 2024

On January 27, 2024, Noni Pacheco made 30 pasties and numerous cannolis to “celebrate” her 91st birthday. Three days later, she insisted on walking into the hospital with a heart attack. She passed away February 1, 2024, surrounded by generations of loved ones.

Born in Butte, Montana on January 27, 1933, world events would shape her life and lead to a lifelong ability to work hard, use only what you need and never give up. There were sadness and hard times in her life but rather than defining her, she rose above.  

In 1952, she married Dan Pacheco. Moving to Utah in 1955 with their two children, they later divorced. Noni worked endlessly to provide a better life for her children, going back to night school while working full time. After 10 years, in 1976, she graduated summa cum laude from Westminster College. Noni started work as a secretary in 1972 at MedLab, working her way up to medical division accountant manager at 3M, until her retirement in 1995.

Noni was a world traveler, avid gardener, great seamstress and created many beloved treasures. Her needlepoint was amazing!

She was a devoted Nona to her six grandchildren: Tajha (Dave Ferrara), Wayne (Katie), Dustin Cederholm, Christopher, Nicholas and Danyell Pacheco. She spent her free time cooking, transporting, teaching and sewing. She was always there to lend her family a helping hand. Once her grandchildren were grown, she went back to “work” and became a nanny to some of her great-grandchildren. She had eight great-grandchildren: Adilyn, Scarlett, Chloe, Luca, Boston, Ava, Arianna and Clara. She picked up kids from school, attended sports functions, and cared for them when they were sick.

Noni insisted on doing things her way. She refused to be defined by her age. She lived independently. She valued the company of neighbors, who lovingly looked out for her. Anyone who came to her house could expect a treat, and of course, during Christmas time a pizzelle; Nona made over 1,000 pizzelles every Christmas.

Noni is preceded in death by her grandson Nicholas Pacheco, son–in-law Wayne Cederholm II, and many dear family and friends. Survived by daughter Peeches Cederholm, son Dan Pacheco, two brothers, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

A giver to the end, Noni donated her body to the University of Utah. A Celebration of Life will be held March 30, 2024, 3-5 p.m. at 819 East 4125 South.