An Omaha family is spending this holiday planning a memorial service.

For Nora Ponciano's family, tradition means everything. "Back when we were younger we always did a big old Fourth of July and with the passing of mom we wanted to make sure we did it one more time. A grand slam," said Rocky Lane.

On the fourth of July, the tents were put up, fireworks were in cue, all in honor of Nora Ponciano.

The 44-year-old Omahan died in a car crash last Friday in Missouri. For an unknown reason, she crossed the median and hit a semi trailer in the oncoming lane of I-29. She died instantly.

Rocky Lane is her son, "The whole thing is horrific. We've just had hit after hit and we're just trying to pull the whole family together."

One of those hits turned out to be a story of survival. Last October, Nora barely escaped a house fire at 31st & Redick. She jumped from the second floor window of the burning home. Her ribs were sore and she inhaled too much smoke, but she lived and considered it a second chance.

Only to have a car crash take her life nine months later.

With no home, Ponciano had moved in with her daughter, Crystal and her two grandchildren.

They know she's gone but it still feels like she's around. "I thought I heard her talking to me this morning," said Crystal.

In order to bring her ashes home, the children need $4,000.

They're confident that with the strong family ties, it will happen.

The service will be held on Friday at one at Trinity United Methodist on Fontenelle Boulevard.

The Missouri truck driver involved in the crash intends to be there.

A fund has been set up in Nora's name at American National Bank.