Elsie Doris NaSmythe Norris

Elsie was born in East St. Johns January 17, 1916. She attended the Old George School until 1929 when her family moved to Washougal, WA and attended Washougal High School. In 1931 her family moved back to St. John where she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1934. Elsie married the love of her life Cecil A. Norris December 14, 1935 and was devoted to him for 48 years until Cecil died in 1983. Elsie loved the outdoors, camping, swimming and raising flowers. In her early years she climbed Beacon Rock and Mars Hill in later years, Climbed to the lights atop the St. Johns Bridge and a Prayer Tower in Jerusalem, Cruised the Nile River and the Mississippi, Flew faster than sound on the Concorde and rode a gondola in Venice and a camel in Egypt. In her words “I am grateful for seeing and doing all that I have.”

Elsie was an active civic leader: member of the St. Johns Heritage Association for many years, a member of Rose Court #7 Order of the Amaranth, 4H leader for over 10 years, President of the St. Johns Study Club (was the last living member), Citizen of Dedication at the Portland Federation of women’s clubs and was active in her neighborhood and animal shelters.

Elsie is survived by her four children, Martin (Karol), David (Judy-Jo), Bradley and Rebecca; 9 Grandchildren, 16 Great-grandchildren and 3 Great-great-grandchildren. Funeral service to be held at Bateman Funeral Chapel in Newport, OR August 14, 2012 at 11:00AM. Arrangements are being handled locally by her grandson Brian Norris at Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes.

Elsie was dearly loved by many and will be missed by all.