Elma Nora Householder

Elma Nora Alva Householder, affectionately known as "Nora" to friends and "Mayita" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away at the age of 90, peacefully at home, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Born October 14, 1934, in Lockhart, Texas, to Manases (Mike) Alva and Adela Garcia Alva, Nora was the third of four siblings. She was the beloved sister of Albert Alva (Amy), Olivia Maldonado (Chico), and Dora O'Brien (James "Jim"), and was preceded in death by her siblings Albert and Olivia.

She grew up in Lockhart and attended Navarro School, which served Mexican-American children during the era of segregation. Nora was proud to be part of the first class to complete the full program, from kindergarten through graduation. She later graduated from Belton High School and went on to attend the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Nora's life was marked by devotion to family and strength through adversity. She married First Lieutenant Frank P. Heyman, accompanying him during his overseas assignment in Germany. Upon their return, he received orders for Vietnam and served honorably for one year. Tragically, Captain Heyman was killed in an aviation accident on February 9, 1969, while assigned to the U.S. Army Special Warfare School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Later that year, on December 19, 1969, Nora married Major John Householder, with whom she would share 55 beautiful years of marriage. Following his return from a third tour in Vietnam, they settled in Waco, Texas, in March 1972, where Nora truly made her mark.

Nora had an outgoing personality that made it easy for her to make close friends, wherever she was planted. During the years of marriage to two Army servicemen, Nora was a proud officer’s wife. She formed a sisterhood with many of the wives and supported their families, but none so close as the Ambrozak and the Kennedy families, who were beside her in her grief after the death of Frank Heyman.

With love and dedication, Nora embraced her life in Waco. She converted to Judaism and became a devoted member of Temple Rodef Sholom, where she served as President of the Sisterhood. She was a third-generation Life Member of Hadassah. She loved the study of Torah and the wisdom of Jewish teachings. She enjoyed teaching Religious School and tutoring Hebrew to B'nai Mitzvah students.

She made lifelong friendships through her work at Sach's on Austin Ave, at Dillard's-where she earned the Pacesetters Award multiple years-and at Molly's Town West. After retirement, she found great joy in volunteering at the Mayborn Museum for many years. She joined the gardening club and won awards for her beautifully grown African violets. She was a golfer and even joined a bowling league for a short time. Nora was most enthusiastic about being a member of the Waco YMCA and the water aerobics group, the Waco Water Lilies.

She is survived by her devoted husband, John Householder; her children, Jeffrey Heyman (Christy), Mark Heyman, and Jennifer Heyman Linsley (Michael); her grandchildren, Ashley Wucher (Josh), Lindsay Spurloch (Bruno Wiggins), Will Heyman (Bianca), Jillian Ohriner, Frank Ohriner (Skye), Juliette Hart-Pins (Tyler), Alexis Ohriner (Kyle Harris), and Christian Heyman; her great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Madison Heyman; and her sister, lifelong friend, Dora O'Brien (Jim), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nora's life was filled with love, faith, strength, and service. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, compassion, and deep devotion to her family and community. She will be missed beyond words.

A celebration of Nora's life will be held at a later date at Temple Rodef Sholom, with a reception in the social hall. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to Temple Rodef Sholom, 1717 N. New Rd., Waco, TX 76710, (254) 754-3703.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Nora in her "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.