June was born in May 16, 1923 in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of Edward and Anna Morris. June graduated Cum Laude from Syracuse University in 1945, where she was a member of the Theta Phi Alpha Sorority. In 1945, as a young woman of 22, June set off to intern at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. She moved to Chicago the following year to work as a Therapeutic Dietician at the Michael Reese Hospital, where she met young Psychiatrist Dr. Edward Cobb Norman. They married in Chicago in 1949. From 1950 to 1953, June was a Clinical Nutritionist at Bob Roberts Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago, where she helped establish the first summer camp for diabetic children. Simultaneously, she pursued her passion for art, studying interior design at The Institute of Design in Chicago. As newlyweds, June and Ed explored cocktails and music and began their extensive collection of contemporary art and furniture. In 1953, they moved to New Orleans where Ed joined the new Department of Psychiatry and Neurology at Tulane University under the late Dr. Robert G. Heath.
Upon settling in New Orleans while raising her family, June was a member of the Tulane Medical Center and the American Psychiatric Association Auxiliaries. She worked as a nutritionist at the Sara Mayo Clinic and volunteered as a board member from 1953 to 1969.
June was the original “ home flipper”, purchasing and renovating four Uptown New Orleans homes in a span of 7 years in the 1950’s. Her style was avant-garde, mixing 19th century architecture with mid-century modern art and furniture, leaving a great impression on many designers and contractors. After remodeling five homes, June became a Real Estate Agent in 1969. Her eye was impeccable. She helped clients reimagine spaces.
June is survived by her three children: Donald Morris Norman of Shoreline, WA, Cathy Norman Penland of New Orleans, and Dr. Sharon Norman Rodrigue (Daniel) of Lexington, KY. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren: Caitlin Sullivan of New Orleans, Sarah Rodrigue of Nashville TN, Olivia Rodrigue of Eureka, CA, Patrick Rodrigue of Louisville, KY and Sam Rodrigue of Lexington, KY.
June was predeceased by her husband Dr. Edward C. Norman, and her sister Marvella Morris Pierce of Akron, OH.
A memorial service will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Saturday August 18th at 2pm with visitation beginning at 1pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to Poydras Home in June’s memory or to WYES, where she was a long time volunteer.
We will miss you Mom! Toodaloo!
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