Marian E. Norris, our deeply beloved wife and mother has left us, peacefully ending her years-long staunch resistance to irreversible illness.
Marian was born Jan 16, 1920, to Dr. and Mrs. George B Denton in Evanston, IL. In her school years she developed a lifelong interest in modern dance and poetry, at both of which she excelled. For a time between school years and marriage, she taught modern and ballroom dancing. She also had a knack for languages, and acted as research assistant to her father, translating Middle French into modern English, for Dr. Denton's authoritative History of Dentistry.
She met Jack (John G) Norris in high school and the two simply never let go. They were married on Apr 27, 1940. Their children, Tina and Becky, were also born in Evanston to a wise and loving mother.
Through the family's many moves and activities - WWII service, further academics, marketing research - she was always a warmly supportive wife and pal.
When Jack's work took him to Europe, she took firm charge of the family's US affairs, selling the house, putting goods in storage, and preparing the children for the abrupt change from their accustomed American way of doing and thinking to the somewhat different ways of doing, speaking, and thinking they would encounter in Belgian and French Schools. During the six-year stint in Europe, she was frequently called on for social events, school activities, and unofficial diplomacy, in which roles she was modest but brilliant. In sporting adventures by car, foot, or canoe, she was a joyous and stalwart companion.
On the family's return to the States, and their occupation in the Christmas tree business, she filled in wherever needed - as picky accountant, gracious sales agent, generous cook - whatever needed doing. A quarter century ago, she took over management of a new home and resort in Michigan belonging to daughter Becky and has, since then, made many friends in this, her adopted neighborhood and home.
She is survived by her sister, Scotty Collins; husband, Jack Norris; daughters, Tina (Larry) Fields and Dr. Rebecca May Norris; brother and sister in law, Brad and Elizabeth Norris, family member, Jeanne Newman, son in law, Don (Sandie) Kerste; grandchildren, Cheryl (Brad) Fields, Douglas Kerste, matt Kerste, Dayna (Von Kriegsfield) Ford, and Adriana (Charlie) Keith; Taryn (Wendell) Valbert and Tracie (John) Leacher; great grandchildren, Aaron Benet, Taylor, Chenoa, Micaela, and Angeni Fields, Amanda Kerste, Madeline and "Little" Charlie Keith, Kassidy and Nicky Ford, Heather (Bill) Hamilton, Wesley (Kori) Valbert, Ryan (Mandy) Lacher; and many nieces and nephews, including, Betsie, Todd (Mindy), and Bob (Paula) Noriss, and Craig, Shawn, Durk, and Trisha Collins.
Her wish that her remains be used for medical education will be honored. The Wolfe Funeral Home is assisting. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no visitation.
The family and friends will hold a celebration of life in her honor in the spring on the 65th anniversary of the couple's marriage, trying to put into words how her deft and loving touches made her world a little better for her having so graciously passed through it.
