Norine Accurso

Raised in Kansas City, she graduated from Paseo High School, earned her associate’s degree from Kansas City Junior College, and later returned to school at age 74, proudly graduating magna cum laude from Sterling College with a degree in Business Administration.

Norine’s work in education and community leadership became defining hallmarks of her life. She served 12 years on the Center School District Board of Education, including time as board president, and later became Executive Director of the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, a role in which she tirelessly promoted local businesses and strengthened community ties. She was also active with the Missouri School Board Association, the Jackson County Coalition of Chambers, and she was a board member of the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri. Her dedication was honored with a life membership in the Chamber, induction into its Hall of Fame, and recognition as one of Kansas City’s Outstanding Women of the Year.

Beyond her professional achievements, Norine devoted much of her life to service and faith. A longtime member of The Kirk of Kansas City Presbyterian Church, she also gave her time and talents to organizations such as the Mayflower Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Colonial Dames. She took pride in serving her community as a Girl Scout leader for many years, through leadership roles in the PTA at both the local and state level, and she was a council member of the Silver Haired City Council (now known as the Kansas City Senior Citizens Advisory Council.)

In 1947, Norine married the love of her life, Don Accurso, and together they shared 71 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2018. Family was always Norine’s greatest joy. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also adored her loyal dog, Murphy, who lived with her for a time in assisted-living before his passing. She and Don loved spending weekends from March through October at their vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Norine also had a passion for travel, visiting nearly every state in the U.S. and making several trips to Europe. She faithfully chronicled her days in her diaries, a practice she maintained for decades and continued until just a few weeks ago.

Norine is survived by her daughters, Linda Dotson and Kim Wheeler (Scott); her grandchildren, Kevin Bunting (Kimberly), Burke Wheeler (Samantha), and Reese Wheeler; and her great grandchildren, Kadelyn and Camden Bunting. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Lewis Pauletic and Julia Marie Quinlan Pauletic; and her younger sister, Martha Frances Horton.

A private graveside service for family will be held on the morning of Tuesday, August 26. Friends are invited to gather with the family afterward for a celebration of Norine’s life at The Villas of Leawood Clubhouse, 2021 West 139th Street, Leawood, Kansas, from 12:30 to 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Norine’s family would be grateful for donations to: Advanced Home Health and Hospice, 9229 Ward Parkway, Suite 350, Kansas City, MO 64114. Please note on the check that your donation is in memory of Norine Accurso.