She was always so beautiful and graceful on the outside. Most people wouldn't have guessed how sick she was. I will always remember the day she went to her house and brought back a few fresh roses from her garden. She handed one to me and asked that I throw it away and said: "it's no good." It was wet from the rain, had mud, and some brown leaves. Beyond that, it was still a beautiful yellow color. Then I smelled it, and noticed how fragrant the smell was. I told her it was still good, and that I was going to keep it. It is dried now, and I will always keep it to remind me to look "beyond" and see the good in things. She was well respected, and has left a beautiful family to carry on her memory. 

Hi Tom and Gwendine:

Jill and I didn't know Maryanne well, but were fortunate enough to be included in some of your family gatherings at your home and at a local Wedgwood restaurant that my mom used to frequent often. It brought back memories of "bittersweet" times with my family. Maryanne accepted us immediately as if we were family members and made us completely comfortable. We thought she was a pistol, with a sense of humor and willingness to share her opinions freely. We will miss her too and send you our condolences at this difficult time.

My connection with MaryAnne is really quite unique... we met at the first class of Ed Egerdahl's Scandinavian Language class to learn Norwegian.  We were told to find a 'study-buddy' and I looked around the room and the only two people left that had no buddy was her and me!  We were delight and shocked to find we only lived a dozen blocks away! Many months(years?) went by that I would walk to her house and we would our weekly 'study'.  We also made Norwegian cookies together, took walks, stayed up for Millennial Eve (2000), and attended concerts.  Then, being MaryAnne, she shared her Whidbey cabin with Rick and I, and did other activities like the taking a cruise on the Virginia V.  Captain Dale ended up traveling to Norway with MaryAnne and became her witty companion through-out the trip.
Anyhow, I moved away and came back and our friendship transferred over to my man-friend Rick, who has also put a note here.  I can only wish that I could attend the memorial service and wear my norwegian bunad (national costume) in her honor. Tusen Takk, MaryAnne; I celebrate your life.

Dear Tom, Gwen, and the rest of the Jim & MaryAnne Norton Clan: It was a shock to see your Mom/Grandma's obituary, since to me she always seemed so strong that I was sure she'd outlive me and all the rest of us. What a spirit! On behalf of my extended family, I'd like to thank her, once more, for all of her years of unwavering love and support for my Mom. Friends like MaryAnne do not come along very often, but when they do, they make a world of difference. She INSISTED on being my Mom's dear, devoted friend no matter what, and travelled long distances many times to brighten my Mom's day in Mom's many years of living in skilled nursing facilities. (We tried unsucessfully to talk MaryAnne out of the trips at times, but, as you know, she was NOT one to take no for an answer.) And I'm glad I always managed to stay on her good side; although I never saw her angry, I always had a feeling that I didn't want that Head Nurse ticked off at me. She was one-of-a-kind. My thoughts are with all of you.  - Tony

I am not very good with words especially in times like this but here it goes, I want to say how sorry I am for your loss and how sad I feel of the passing of Maryanne. Her spirit for life is what I will miss most of all, for me the times we spent together at the Seahawk games with her cheering for the Hawks until her voice was gone is some of  my most stand out moments with her  but her spirit was strong in everything she did in life. I am so fortunate to have had Maryanne in my life and I will miss our talks from travel to sports and everything in between. She will be looking down from heaven cheering us all on!!!!!! 

OBITUARY

MaryAnne Norton

April 27, 1926 – December 5, 2009

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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