Patricia Jean Norton

Patricia was the fourth child of five and cherished her early years in Marquette. She had fond memories of playing dolls with her younger sister, Helen, whom she continued to remain close with, and of tunneling out of the house through snow drifts as high as the roof some winters. The family moved to Wayne, Michigan, in 1943, for her WWI veteran’s father’s new position at Willow Run Airport, manufacturing the bomber planes so critical for the end of WWII. The family retained a fishing camp on Lake Independence in Big Bay, Michigan, and many summers were spent there picking wild blueberries and enjoying nature.

Patricia attended Saint Mary High School in Wayne as an excellent student, enjoying cheerleading and social activities with close friends. She graduated with Highest Honors in 1954 and continued on to Western Michigan College of Education in Kalamazoo. A very driven and disciplined organizer, she juggled a career as an elementary school teacher, homemaker, social organizer, wife, mother AND continued her education. She finished her Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Education from Eastern University.

On June 22, 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Daniel (Danny) John Norton. Together they had four children of their own, all born two years apart, beginning in 1958, and their extended family included many nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children who found a second home in their warmth. Patricia taught early elementary education and gifted students in the Wayne/Westland Public School system for her entire career, retiring early a few years following the loss of her beloved husband to cancer in September of 1983.

As a strong, independent widow, she managed to maintain two beautiful homes in Livonia, Michigan and Port Charlotte, Florida, for many years, on her tight budget through her hard work ethic. She enjoyed wonderful neighbors in both locations. In August of 2024, she chose to move to a lovely, small, family owned assisted-living apartment, The Homesteader, in Benzonia, Michigan, where she received the kind and loving care we all could hope for, and where she could enjoy nature in a beautiful setting.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Mabel Hurley, siblings, Howard (Virginia) Hurley, Joan (Jerry) Schroeder, Donna (Leon) Gentry, brothers-in-law, Jack Stringer and Howard Canfield, Son in Law David Ferens, and loving husband Daniel Norton.

Surviving are siblings Helen Canfield and Marion Stringer, children Mary Catherine Ferens, Daniel Norton, Julie Norton and Brian Norton, Grandchildren Meghan Norton and Morgan Ferens, Step-grandchildren Marcie (Mike) Barton, Michelle (Brad) Jones, Melissa (Brian)

Guigue, Step-great grandchildren Samantha and Max Jones, and Jessica Barton. Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews, and their extended families.

A teacher, gardener, homemaker, reader, life-long learner, advisor, loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Patricia enjoyed a life full of love from those who have been blessed to know her. There were certainly hardships, which she overcame with strength, perseverance and hope. As a life-long Catholic, she took comfort and guidance from The Blessed Mother Mary and the Saints. She had an affinity for Father Solanus. She has been especially grateful for her family and treasured all the cards and photos sent to her through the years.

Patricia held a special place in her heart for children, and for all of those in need. When you read to a child or give a helping hand or shoulder to someone in need, think of Patricia. She will be smiling with a twinkle in her eye. Patricia’s memories will live forever in our hearts. She will be missed by all who were privileged to know her.

Visitation will be held at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia, Michigan on June 26 from 3 to 8pm. Time will be set aside in the evening at 7pm to pay tribute to Patricia and sharing stories. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on June 27, at St. Genevieve Catholic Church, with a luncheon following. She will be laid to rest with her husband, Danny Norton, at Holy Sepulchre in Southfield, Michigan. The family is being cared for by Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia, and Harry J. Will Funeral Home of Livonia, Michigan.

The family wishes to thank the owners and staff of The Homesteader from the bottom of their hearts for the love and care provided to their beloved Patricia. You enhanced her life in so many ways.

Memorial contributions may be made to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), your local library for their children’s reading program, or simply in an act of kindness to someone in need.