Obituary of Kathleen Norton

Kathleen “Kathy” Norton was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world too soon on 8-6-22 in West Hills, CA at age 76. 

Kathy was born on 3-12-1946 to Paul and Kathleen Elia in Paterson, New Jersey. Kathy graduated from Paterson State Teachers College in 1967 and attended St. Luke’s High School in Hohokus, NJ. In 1968, Kathy married Joseph Norton, Jr. in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

She is survived by her husband, Joe; her sons Joseph Norton, III (Tracy), Brian Norton (Laura), Kevin Norton (Tonya), and John Norton (Katie); and Grandchildren: Gillian, Brianna, Jack, Lilia, and Reese.  Kathy also is survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Paul and Kathleen Elia and her brothers: Gerald and Paul.

Growing up in New Jersey, she loved spending summers at the Jersey shore with family. After marrying her beloved husband, Joe, her Jersey Shore family grew even larger as she joined the loving Norton clan. She and Joe started their own family and by the time had moved to California (by way of Oklahoma) she was a well-established ‘boy-mom’ of four. Over the next few years, she became an integral part of the West Hills, St. Bernadine, and Chaminade communities.  

Kathy was a dedicated teacher and life-long educator, she worked at St. Bernardine of Siena school as a third-grade teacher for 23 years. She always beamed with pride whenever she encountered former students in the community and loved to hear about their lives. 

Kathy loved spending time baking cookies, especially around the Christmas holidays with her grandkids. She also had several signature dishes that she loved to make for her family and friends.  She loved spoiling her children, their families, and her grandchildren.  Her beautiful smile in their presence is something that will never be forgotten. Her devotion to her family was evident in everything she did.  

We ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy’s name to one of the organizations that our family is passionate about:

Chaminade College Preparatory Norton family fund www.chaminade.org/norton

The Vigil Prayer will be held at St Bernardine Catholic Church in Woodland Hills, CA on 8-18-22 at 7 PM.  Funeral Mass will be held at St Bernardine of Siena on 8-20-22 at 10:30 AM, followed by an interment at Oakwood cemetery. Open house to follow.