Mary Louise Norton

Obituary Mary Louise (Murphy) Norton Died peacefully on January 1, 2012, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, in Tacoma, WA. She was born in Bovill, ID to Daniel and Helen Murphy on April 4, 1920, but spent the majority of her childhood and young adulthood in Spokane, WA. She graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane. She worked in the Gonzaga University Library, fell in love, married, and after the birth of her three oldest daughters, moved to Tacoma. When her husband left her, she was fiercely devoted to raising her then six children. Times were often difficult, but her faith, her South Tacoma neighbors, Visitation Church, and her rosary were her support system. She kept her family together with style and grace. In October 1966 she married Dennis Francis Norton. They enjoyed thirty happy years together, and Dennis became the loving father to Mary's six children and a wonderful grandfather to the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come. Mary and Dennis hosted Christmas Eve parties for their family that were legendary, complete with visits from Santa. She was a fabulous cook, seamstress, and needleworker, and loved to garden, read, and work her crossword puzzles. Mary worked for Hertz Rent-a-Car in downtown Tacoma until the owners retired, and then she retired after many years with Pepsi Cola in the Nalley Valley. Her many grandchildren and nephews and nieces appreciated visits to her house because her refrigerator never lacked for Pepsi and 7-Up! She lived in her own home almost until she died, and did all she could to help those around her as she remembered how her neighbors had always helped her. The rosary was her mainstay. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, and her only brother, Dan Murphy. Mary is survived by her daughters Joanne (Gary) Corcoran, Louise (David) Melchor, Maureen High, (Jeff, deceased) and Beth (Leroy) Cottom, and her sons Jim (Diane) Conner and Pat (Patti) Conner. Mary is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, her sister-in-law Virginia, and her Murphy nieces and nephews. Her Funeral Mass will be Saturday, January 14, 2012, 12 noon, at Visitation Catholic Church, 3314 S. 58th Street, preceded by the Rosary at 11:30a.m. Any remembrances would be graciously appreciated by Visitation Catholic School. Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tribnet/obituary.aspx?n=mary-norton&pid=155425881#storylink=cpy