GIBSON CITY, IL (Chambana Today) – The community is invited to a special Celebration of Life in memory of Nora Garcia Harroun, a beloved wife, friend, and community member who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 35 following complications from open-heart surgery. The tribute will take place on Sunday, July 27 at the local drive-in theater — one of Nora’s favorite places.
Her husband is organizing the event as a way for friends, family, and members of the public to come together and honor the memory of a woman described as both “strong and compassionate.”
“My beautiful wife Noria Garcia Harroun passed away unexpectedly at the age of 35 on July 3rd 2025 from complications of open-heart surgery. After a six-week battle filled with simple wins, big setbacks and some big steps forward, we were all taken by surprise when she passed away early Thursday July 2nd as her heart gave out. She died peacefully surrounded by her dearest family holding my hand and we had the chance to say goodbye to the strongest and most compassionate woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. While Nora was a simple person who loved spending time with family and friends, and our fur babies at home, she also loved the drive-in. She loved interacting with people, seeing the kids laughing, the couples falling in love and families coming together to make memories. The fact that she got to do that alongside me, her husband, was a bonus that she really enjoyed.”
The event will include food stands, with proceeds going toward the family’s mounting medical expenses and several charities that were close to Nora’s heart. Local vendor Tab’s Chocolates, which had a personal connection to Nora, will also be present to show their support.
“To honor her memory and the lasting legacy she left for me I am hosting a Celebration of Life for her at the drive-in on Sunday July 27th as a means for folks to join us and show appreciation and support for an incredible young woman taken far too soon from this world and those that loved her. We will have some of our food stands open for purchases that will go towards the family wishes, the incoming medical bills that we haven’t even received yet, and the charities that were near and dear to her heart. Tab’s Chocolates has agreed to come out to set up for the event as well, as they share a personal connection to Nora and want to honor her memory as well.”
The evening will feature a photo and video montage showcasing moments from Nora’s life, followed by a eulogy broadcast over the radio and a screening of her favorite film — Pride and Prejudice — on its 20th anniversary.
“I will have a brief photo/video slide show montage with highlights of a short but incredible life, a eulogy over the radio to show how much Nora meant to the world, and then a screening of her favorite movie on its 20th anniversary: Pride and Prejudice. There will be no cost to attend, but we will graciously accept donations from attendees. Thank you for your amazing support over the past two months and I hope we can all honor Nora on Sunday July 27 here at the theater.”
The event is open to all and aims to celebrate Nora Harroun — a woman who cherished her community and left a lasting impact on those who knew her.