On January 19, 2023, Noemi Morales, age 51, passed peacefully, with family near her, after a courageous battle with early onset Alzheimer’s. She was born in Chicago, IL., moving with her family to Grand Rapids in 1979. She graduated from University of Michigan in 1998. She worked for Grand Rapids Parks and Recs, RRR program, GR Loop afterschool program, WKTV and GRTV production networks, and several nonprofit organizations; Arbor Circle, WIMCAT and Linc Up. She was very active in the Hispanic community, and was dedicated to the community she lived in, the area schools, and the families she worked with. She is preceded in death by her parents, Carmen I. and Eufemio Morales (Mauanabo/Yabucoa, Puerto Rico), sister, Evelyn Morales, and brother, Jose Lebron. She is survived by her son, Angelo Gagliardo, and her life partner, Michael Gagliardo, as well as siblings, Carlos (Marvonne) Morales, Carmen (Sue Clare) Morales, and Jose (Illiana) Morales. She had numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2023, at MKD Stegenga Funeral Home, 3181 S. Division Ave. A Catholic Mass will be held at St. Joseph the Worker on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11:00 am. Family will greet visitors at 10:00 a.m. at church, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an Alzheimer’s association, in hopes of finding a cure, or to Spectrum Health Hospice, for the compassionate care they showed Noemi.
Leave Your Tribute Message
January 27, 2023 6:09pm
Noemi I have known you and your family so many years and when I found out broke my heart you will be truly be missed by I know that god had something for you please say Hi to my mom if you see her and say hi too your dad fermio RIH take care hope to see you one day.
- Janet Pena
January 27, 2023 3:21pm
Noemi you were a true friend and we will miss you dearly.
Gone too soon.
God's grace & peace for the Morales family.
~Melissa (Missy) Hill
- Melissa A Hill
January 27, 2023 12:59pm
I've known Noemi since 7th grade. I've never met a nicer, sweeter, and more joyful person than her. I will forever hold her in my heart.
- Tika McCoy
January 27, 2023 10:42am
Never forgotten and forever in our hearts. Love you Prima!
- Victor Alverio
January 26, 2023 8:54am
Noemi, you brought sunshine on a cloudy day with your beautiful smile, caring heart, warm hug, and passion to help others. It was an honor to have walked alongside you. You will forever be remembered and missed.
- Carol Paine-McGovern
January 26, 2023 8:04am
Rest In Peace 🙏.
- RodneyAlan
January 26, 2023 6:26am
Noemi, it was a pleasure and honor to have known you through the LOOP AfterSchool program. Your smile left sunshine everywhere you went.
DEP
Irma Garcia
- Irma Garcia
January 24, 2023 11:05pm
She is my cousin and she will always be remembered as a lovely happy soul with a beautiful smile. Forever loved. Now you are at peace and smiling down on us. These things are never easy but I’m happy she is now at peace love you forever prima!!
- Damaris Lugo
January 24, 2023 7:59pm
Noemi was always a ray of sunshine in highschool, such a kind, sweet beautiful soul. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to family and close friends.
- Carrie Adragna
January 24, 2023 2:26pm
My cousin Noemi was a sweetheart full of life. I remember us talking about playing violin and I admired her. Sometimes we played at hall school with Janet & Grisel. She always greeted me with a hug and always smiled.
You will never be forgotten. We love you Prima.
- Glenda
January 24, 2023 1:38pm
I MET NOEMI, IN THE LATE 90'S AT THE RRR PROGRAM I STARTED IN 1992 WITH PARKS AND REC. DEPT. SHE HAD A TYPE OF ENERGY THAT WAS ALWAYS ON THE GO. SHE HAD A GREAT WORK ETHIC AND CARED ABOUT HER RESPONSIBILITES. WE WORKED TOGETHER ON A LOT OF PROJECTS AND SHE DOCUMENTED ON VIDEO MANY OF THE RRR EVENTS. SHE LOVED HER WORK AND SHE WAS RESPECTED AND LOVED BY THE STAFF AND THE STUDENTS. CIAO.
- MAX CARRANZA
January 24, 2023 8:43am
Noemi, the world is a much darker place without you in it. I am very sad and have been missing you for a very long time.
- Shay Kraley
January 24, 2023 8:30am
Noemi was a beautiful and vibrant woman. Always pleasant and positive. Working alongside her to serve hundreds of youth was a complete honor. I am sure she will be truly missed by all who knew her but her light will shine forever. ✨️
- Aarie Wade
January 23, 2023 4:16pm
She is my cousin. She was so proud and successful in everything she accomplished. She was the best photographer around the area. Whenever she walked in a room it was lit up with positism and positive energy. May she rest in heaven. She is gone but never missed. What an amazing person she was . This damm disease took the best out of her. Love you prima and God bless you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
- German Ruiz
January 23, 2023 4:04pm
I was fresh out of college, and Noemi was my very first supervisor, when I began work at GR Parks and Rec/RRR program in 1999. I was lucky enough to work side by side with her when I too became a supervisor - and we spent probably 13+ years working together. Her voice and presence always brought calm. She was sweet, kind, and loving. She loved her family and her community - and always seemed to be involved in something fun and exciting. She had so many talents and such a lovely personality - and anyone who met her easily recognized these things in her. She lived and loved big - and was always supportive and encouraging in all that she did. I will always remember her fondly. May family and friends find comfort in fond memories of beautiful, sweet Noemi. I feel so blessed to have been able to have her in my life. Rest well, Noe. You are loved and will be so missed.
- Jennifer (Belka) Gosson
January 23, 2023 3:15pm
I was so heart broken to hear of Noemi passing. I have so many fond memories of her and that beautiful smile. She was the sweetest, kind, gentle person. Our Deepest Condolences and Sympathy are with the family as well as our Prayers during this difficult time. Rest Peacefully, Gone too soon! You were loved by your RRR Family
- TREVETTA ISOM
January 23, 2023 2:14pm
Mi tocaya! It has been my pleasure to know you, Noemi! You made the world better by your eternal smile and great demeanor. May your memory be eternal dear friend. Love, Noemi
- Noemi Tobar Arellano
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