Mrs. Sheila Elizabeth Norman

On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, the world lost a bright light. Sheila Elizabeth Norman, age 62, passed away in Arlington, Virginia after fighting a courageous twenty-two year battle with chronic illness.

Sheila was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut to John Norman and Mary Lynott. She was the third of four daughters in the Norman household. Most of Sheila’s formative years were spent in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Throughout her upbringing, Sheila, along with her entire family, was raised with the love of opera, dance, poetry, and theater. She often recalled being enticed to memorize great poem stanzas and opera arias by her parents. Sheila developed a love of the arts and history, a passion later passed to her daughter, Mary.

The academic curiosity instilled during her childhood remained with Sheila throughout her life. She graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Following her graduation, Sheila enjoyed traveling internationally, exploring the world. During this time, she also began her professional careers while also simultaneously performing ballet. She worked for the League of Cities and Vita Corporation before attending law school at George Mason University.

Upon graduating law school, Sheila began her “dream” job as a prosecutor in Arlington County, Virginia. She was well known and respected by her colleagues, as well as her opposition, for successful trying cases ranging from petty larceny to murder. Sheila was a natural lawyer. She could debate any side of an issue and stare down those who dared to differ with her. It was this ability that made her such an effective prosecutor. Her passion for being in the courtroom resulted in a courthouse meeting that brought her a greater passion- her husband Tom, an Arlington County police detective.

In 1997, Sheila was diagnosed with Churg-Strauss Syndrome, an auto-immune disease. At the time of her initial diagnosis, she was one of only fourteen diagnosed cases in the country. Through extended periods of grueling treatment, additional complications arose. She endured over thirty surgeries, three types of cancer, two pulmonary embolisms, and an unimaginable number of hospital stays. Sheila would not relent, facing her illness with the same determination she faced her adversaries in the courtroom.

Despite the toll that her disease took on her body, Sheila remained positive. Her infectious laugh was legendary-- the highlight of anyone’s day. It filled those around her with happiness. This was a woman who made people feel as if they belonged, as if they were worthy, and as if they could conquer their fears. Sheila was the centerpiece of her immediate family’s lives and was able to raise her daughter, Mary, with the same positive virtues and values that allowed her to always “reach for the stars” without any limitations.

Despite serious physical limitations, Sheila was able to attend Mary’s college graduation last spring. She was determined to be there to celebrate her daughter’s achievement. Mary’s college graduation had to compete with an equally important event last year- an impromptu meeting with her longtime crush Bruce Springsteen where he kissed her. And only her.

Sheila is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Tom, and her pride and joy, Mary. Her laughter, love of life and family, and determination will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arlington County Police Department Friends and Family Fund.

Checks can be mailed to:

ACPD Friends and Family Fund

C/O Tara Crider

1425 N Courthouse Road

Arlington, VA 22201

Online donations can be made at:

https://squareup.com/store/acpd-fff