Just recently learned of Norma's passing and want to convey our deepest sympathies on behalf of the Texas and East Coast Norton clan. Wish we had an earlier opportunity to connect. Feel free to pass on any Norton stories, including the grandparents and great aunt and uncle. Jim has my contact info. Thanks for the posted legacy of Norma Jean's life. I know there was much more than can be expressed by the printed word.

Norma Jean Norton was born August 29, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA. Norma had an identical twin sister, Nancy Jane (born first). They were born to a single mother and it was the Great Depression, so at age two she had to place them for adoption with the Children's Home of Los Angeles. They were adopted by Frank and Kathryn Norton, who raised them on a walnut farm in Grand Terrace, CA.  Norma and Nancy had a wonderful childhood on the farm, riding horses and playing outdoors. The twins attended Colton High School (and hated being called "twin"), where Norma met her future husband, Bill Duke. They married shortly after high school, and Norma put Bill through Dental School at USC by working at the Gas Co. After his graduation, they returned to the community of Colton, CA, where Bill went into dental practice and Norma was a homemaker. They had 4 children: Stephen, James, Donna, and Lorraine (Lori). In 1968, the family met a darling baby girl at an extended relative's birthday party. This baby was available for private adoption, and so she was brought into the family in 1969. After Bill completed his graduate work to become an orthodontist, the family moved to Madera, CA. Norma always volunteered her time - to school activities, PTA, Alegria Guild (Valley Children's Hospital), Madera Community Hospital Auxiliary, and church as a Sunday School teacher. Norma was devoted to her family, and set quite an example to her children for community service. After her divorce, Norma worked several years in the business office of the local J.C. Penney store. Norma later moved to Washington, and then to Oregon.  Norma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2002.  When she could no longer live on her own, Norma moved to Bakersfield (2004), then to Fresno (2007) and finally to Stockton in 2008.  Norma was cared for lovingly by the staff at Golden Haven in Stockton for seven years. Norma loved her children very much, but her grandchildren brought her immense joy. Norma's parents, Frank and Kathryn, preceded her in death. Her daughter Lori also preceded her in death. Norma is survived by son Stephen and wife Dena; son James and wife Diana; daughter Donna and husband Kyle; daughter Luci and husband Dennis. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Lauren Joslin, Katy Beckman, Andrew Duke, Jennifer Duke, Claire Person, Michael Duke, Bethany Scott and David Scott. We miss you, Mom and are so happy you are no longer suffering.

Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary

Norma Duke

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OBITUARY

Norma Jean Duke

August 29, 1930 – December 2, 2015

Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary

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