Mary Norton

Obituary Mary Ann Norton passed away on Friday, August 12, 2005. She was at home, surrounded by family and loved ones during her final days, which was her strongest wish. Mary Ann was born in Tacoma to Martha and Charles Burton on October 4, 1930. She lived her entire life in Tacoma's North End and was a lifelong member of The Church of St. Patrick. Mary Ann attended St. Patrick Elementary School and Aquinas Academy. In recent years she had attended several reunions of her elementary school class and remained in contact with many classmates. She was an active member of St. Patrick's Church Altar Society and Prime Timer's group. She deeply valued the friendships she had with her neighbors, her old classmates and fellow parishioners. She also cherished her relationship with her two siblings, Robert L. Burton (Jeannette) and Betty Lou Dailey (Don), and their children. Mary Ann worked for 28 years at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was very proud of her career there and of the many friendships she had made. She will be remembered at St. Joe's for her diligent and impeccable work, and also for her many delicious cookies that she shared and gave as gifts to many co-workers and doctors. It was during her time in the PARU at St. Joseph's that she became known as "Cookie Grandma" to her friends and family. Christmas will not be the same without the Lemon Bars, Mexican Wedding Cakes, chocolates and, of course, the "scrabble". In 1950 she married Richard Norton, who preceded her in death in 1968, and together they had 7 children, one son, Thomas Norton, who preceded her in death this past July and six daughters, Catherine Lind (Tom), Anne Norton, Patty Norton (Josh Kors), Susan Lewis (Neville), Gretchen Sund (Mikko) and Ellen Norton (Evan Purcell) who are surviving. Also surviving are her 9 grandchildren of whom she was very proud. Susan Lind, Kimberly Dominguez, Analise, Nicholas and Olivia Sund, Skye and Christopher Lewis and Hiatt and Isaac Purcell. Throughout her life Mary Ann built a strong family unit of which she was the centerpiece. She lived her life with faith, acceptance, dignity and strength. Her family will miss her deeply and feel honored to have learned such valuable qualities from such a special woman. Mary Ann's family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Baker and his staff, Father Seamus Laverty, Franciscan Hospice, our cousin Judy who helped support Mom in her final days, and her neighbors and friends who sent cards, visited and offered help and support. Services will be held on Wednesday, August 17th at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Church, 5510 N. 44th St., Tacoma. A reception will follow. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.