Marie "Norma" Courtney

LYNN – Marie “Norma” (Campbell) Courtney, 88, a longtime resident of Bowler Street, Lynn up until 3 months ago, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at the truly magical, Gafney Home in Rochester, NH. She joins her beloved husband, the late former Lynn Police Chief, Richard F. Courtney, Sr. with whom she shared 67 years of marriage and a humble life.

Born in Lille, Maine on December 19, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Rouel R. and Irene (Picard) Campbell. Norma was the devoted mother of Holly and her husband, Ray Dooley of Lynn, Mary and her husband, Brian Weeks of Rochester, NH, Julie and her husband, Michael Sylvain of Farmington, NH, Richard F. Courtney Jr. of Lynn, William T. Courtney and his wife, Lisa of Amesbury, and the late Dawn Marie and Carol Ann Courtney; the cherished grandmother of Julieanne Sanchez of Melrose, Ian Dooley of Haverhill, the late Samantha Dooley, Abbye Parks of Woburn, Kyle Meikle of Farmington, NH, Richard J. Sevigney, III of Wakefield, NH, Richard F. Courtney, III, Lindsay Hart, both of Somerville, Liam Courtney of Salisbury, Cailyn Courtney of Amesbury; the adoring great-grandmother of over a dozen great grandchildren; the dear sister of the late Donald Campbell and the aunt of several nieces and nephews.

Norma was raised in Lynn and graduated from St. Mary’s High School with the Class of 1949. Norma had an “up close and personal” relationship with God and her faith never waivered. She was a longtime member of St. Pius V. Church in Lynn. Norma was a determined woman and her deep sense of responsibility was apparent in raising her own children and her choice to care for other people’s children. Another passion of her life was caring for her dogs, every single one of them, especially Pal. While growing up in Lynn, she, her brother Don and her mother were the” 3 Peas in a Pod,” always frequenting the marquee movie theatres, and enjoying train trips to Maine for the holidays.

To her children, she was a combination of “Wonder Woman,” “Mother Theresa” and “Wait ‘til your father gets home.” She took the roll of Girl Scout and Campfire Leader. She was a talented seamstress and bookkeeper as a young lady and after staying home to raise her young children, she enjoyed a career for the City of Lynn School Department as a “Chief” Lunch and Teacher’s aide for over 18 years. She and her husband, Richard enjoyed a private and wonderful retirement for over 30 years by each other’s side until his passing in 2015.

The family would like extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff and residents of the Gafney Home in Rochester. Their kindness, compassion and professionalism combined to create a magical atmosphere of positive energy, healing and transformation. While there, Norma was able to blossom while participating in their wonderful activities, filling her with laughter, song and a sense of achievement, which allowed her to pass gently and peacefully.

Norma’s funeral will be held from the CUFFE-McGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple Street, Lynn, MA on Monday, December 31st at 10:00 a.m. followed at 11:00 a.m. by a Funeral Mass at St. Pius V Church, Lynn. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Lynn. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, December 30th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions in Norma’s memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970 or via www.northeastanimalshelter.org. To share a memory or leave online condolences, please visit www.cuffemcginn.com.