Patricia A. Norris

Patricia A. Norris, 65, of Springfield, passed away at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at St. John's Hospital. Patricia was born December 12, 1948 in Jacksonville, the daughter of Virgil E. and Marjorie Zulauf Coughlin. She married Richard Grimes Norris on June 23, 1973 in Winchester, IL; he preceded her in death on January 10, 2014. Patricia earned her bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and her master's in Library Science from Florida State University. She was employed over 25 years with the Illinois State Library and was named Illinois State Library Luminary in 2014. She was an advocate for the advancement of libraries in Illinois, who was very passionate about continued reading and lifelong education. She enjoyed golfing, traveling to Florida, and was an avid football fan. She was a matriarch who had unconditional love and support for family and dear friends. She was also preceded in death by her father, Virgil Coughlin. She is survived by her mother, Marjorie Coughlin; one son, Dr. Christopher (wife, Jennifer) Norris of Kansas City, KS; two daughters, Dr. Stephanie (husband, Dan) Bitner of Springfield and Elizabeth (husband, Adam) Hendrickson of St. Louis, MO; one granddaughter, Charlotte Ann Norris; and two cousins. Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The memorial gathering will begin with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2014 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 North Amos Ave., Springfield with Rev. Robert Jallas, celebrant. Burial of cremated remains will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702, American Cancer Society, 675 E. Linton Avenue, Springfield, IL 62703, or Illinois Library Association, 33 West Grand Ave., Suite 301, Chicago, IL 60654-6799.