Eleanore Maria Norton

Born to Leopold and Elizabeth Steffen on January 9, 1927, Laura was raised in Mannheim, Germany. She was the eldest of three sisters, including Anneliese and Hildegard. She met her future husband, James W. Norton, Sr., while he was stationed in Germany after WWII. Laura emigrated to the U.S. as a war bride and she and her husband raised four children.

As an Air Force wife, Laura and the family moved numerous times around the country and the world, which offered many opportunities for adventures and education. Upon the death of her husband in 1977, Laura officially entered the work force. With her native skills and strong work ethic, she became manager of school kitchens of CSD#4 in Grandview, until her retirement 1994.

Known as a fascinating story teller, Laura often kept people enthralled with her stories of growing up during WWII in Germany and other life adventures. She was self-educated, literate and ever thirsty to learn, discuss and read philosophy, religion and any weighty topic. A woman of deep faith, Laura was a former member of Coronation of Our Lady Catholic Church in Grandview and as of late, the St. James Catholic Church parish family in Liberty.

Survivors include her children, James W. Norton, Jr. and wife Vicky; Alice Norton Baumgartner and husband Chris; Charles J. Norton; Missy Norton and her partner Sue Paquette. She is also survived by one sister, Hildegard; two grandsons, Chris Baumgartner III and Joseph Norton; two great grandchildren, Preston and Kayla Baumgartner.

Services were held at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO, on Friday, July 3, 2015. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, MO. Pallbearers included her children and Joseph Norton & Sue Paquette. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. James Catholic Church building fund. Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.com Arr: McGilley & George Funeral Home 816-966-0250