Helen Norris

Helen O'Leary Norris, our dear beloved Mother, Grandmother, Friend and kindred spirit, went to Heaven today to be welcomed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 12, 2007. Born August 12, 1918, in San Antonio to Ella Brotherton O'Leary and Thomas O'Leary.

Helen is survived by her three sons, Curtis Patrick Norris Ruthie of New Orleans, Michael Allen Norris Mikey of Spring Branch, and Thomas E. Norris Karen of San Antonio. Mother met the love of her life, Barney Norris while working at an ice cream parlor when she was 16. They married 2 days before her 17th birthday, but did not tell her parents for several months. Dad was in the Army Air Corps at Randolph AFB and could only come to town once a month.

Helen and Barney led a charmed life. They loved horses and were active in the Bexar County Sheriff Mounted Posse, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo from it's beginning in 1948. In the Alzafar Shrine, she honorably served as the first lady of Alzafar in 1963 when Barney was the Illustrious Potentate. They both loved doing things together their entire marriage in 1935 until Dad passed away in 1994. Helen traveled with Barney for almost 20 years when he was the distributor for Motor Manuals.

Helen was a successful business woman in her own right. She put her boys through school by raising parakeets, selling reducing machines, furniture and finally as a well-respected and talented interior designer for Fisher and Household furniture stores. One of her joys was that she decorated an antique railroad car for a wealthy banker. Watching the Antique Road Show was one of her favorite pastimes.

Helen was predeceased by her twin brother Thomas O'Leary, and brother Jack O'Leary. She is survived by her sister, Louise Suggs of San Antonio, nieces and grandchildren Patty Karotkin Joe, Robin Brown John, Thovas Brown Tina, Thomas Norris, Jr., Donavan Harkin Kimberly and Phillip Harkin, Neil Norris, Michael Norris Elizabeth, Paul Norris and Brett Norris. Great grandchildren, Ryan and Chase Harkin; Bailey, Caleb and Ryker Norris, all of San Antonio.

Mother's charmed life was fulfilled in many ways. She loved her husband and sons more than life itself. She volunteered for Roy Mass Youth Alternatives for many years. She was truly a creative, thoughtful and loving person to know. Her sense of humor was strong until the end.

She always said that laughter is God's way of calming the soul. Her many, many friends can testify to her true, real beauty, inside and out and her ability to be kind to everyone. Her mind never wavered, even though her heart pump gave out, she was always very bright, alert, happy and generous, even to the end.

Mom is in a better place now, with her sweet Barney and all of her loved ones who were waiting for her to come home. So long for now Mamma, with love, we will be seeing you.

The family will receive friends and relatives for a public viewing and sharing at Porter Loring Funeral Chapel, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, 1102 McCullough Ave., downtown San Antonio, Monday, April 16th.

Pastor David Kirk will officiate the funeral at Porter Loring on Tuesday, April 17, beginning at 3:00 pm, with funeral procession to follow with internment at Mission Burial Park North, IH-10 West Camp Bullis exit.

The family will receive friends immediately following the grave side service at home, 29374 Duberry Ridge, Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas.