Norah Mary Alford

DIED June 15, 2025 --- Norah Carr was born April 6, 1925 in Birkenhead, England, the youngest of Christopher and Mary (Tanzey) Carr's 11 children. On August 16, 1947 she married William John Alford, a Merchant Marine from San Francisco, California who preceded her in death.

Norah excelled in school and enjoyed the company of a large extended family. She worked hard in school and achieved a full University scholarship, but her education was interrupted by the onset of World War 2.

When the Second World War erupted her father rained on her parade when she went to enlist. Norah answered her country's call to duty and served in the British Army's Auxiliary Territorial Service throughout the conflict. She took shelter in the underground to survive the constant bombings. Despite the persistent hunger and harsh conditions her faith and perseverance brought her through one of history’s darkest chapters.

After the war, the couple settled in Richmond, California and later moved to Marin County where they raised their family. William continued his seafaring life in the employ of the Standard Oil Company and Norah settled into making a home for their six children, Carol, Christine, Malcolm, John, Peter and Maureen.

Later in life Norah shared a comfortable home with her beloved cat, Veronica, in Rohnert Park. She enjoyed a small flower garden with prized blue hydrangeas and striking purple clematis on the rear fence. Norah enjoyed her work with K-Mart, National Geological Survey in Fort Bragg, Sonoma County Library and Sonoma State Public Broadcasting. She also volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels and the local food pantry.

Norah was a lifelong member of the Catholic church and a dedicated member of the Democratic party. She was a champion of the underdog and a social activist who was never afraid to speak her mind about injustice or give a handout to someone in need. Whether it was through direct action as a member of the citizen's oversight board for Roseland, California. or through a strongly worded letter to the editor, she served her community as a social conscience.

In her spare time, she enjoyed the company of her family, traveling the United States, weekend jaunts to the casino, watching Jeopardy and while besting most comers at Scrabble was never so pretentious as to do the NYT Crossword in ink.

Always sharp and quick witted, she had little compunction about setting someone straight whom she perceived to be in error. Although diminutive in stature she projected largely on the canvas of life.

In her last years she relocated to Medford, Oregon to enjoy the companionship and care of her family. Living to the age of 100 she received the best possible end-of-life care from her devoted children. Norah left her signature uncompromising Irish honesty and integrity to her six children, her nine grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. And she will be remembered and cherished by her family.

She is preceded in death by her sons Malcolm and John and is survived by her son, Peter and daughters Carol Chesley, Christine Alford and Maureen Alford.