Elizabeth Norton

December 29, 1925 — August 2, 2021

Elizabeth A. (Barrows) "Betty" Norton, age 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 2, 2021 at her home in East Walpole, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on December 29, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Lena (Howe) Barrows. She spent her early years on Mylod Street in Norwood before her family moved to an area of Sharon, known locally as Wilburville. Betty's family moved back to Walpole, settling on Common Street, before making their home in East Walpole on Washington Street. Following her graduation from Walpole High School in 1943, Betty took a position with Bird and Son through the end of World War II and went on to take a position as an office clerk at Kendall Mills in Walpole. As a young woman who worked hard, Betty loved spending time with her friends, taking the bus to the theater in Boston on the weekends.

Betty met her soon to be husband, William Peter Norton, at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, when he walked up to her, asking her for a dance. Her friends quickly convinced her to see Bill again, beginning their lifelong love affair. Betty and Bill were married on May 15, 1948, in Saint Mary's Church in East Walpole. The young couple made their home together in East Walpole, where Betty could remain close with her family. In 1956, Betty and Bill finished construction on their family home on Donnell Road in East Walpole, where they raised their five children. In addition to raising and caring for her children, Betty worked part time at Schaefer Stadium in Foxboro, the Club Car Restaurant in Norwood, and Klein's Manufacturing. Betty returned to full time employment in the late 1970s, taking a position with Shire's (now Lisbeth's) Custom Draperies in Norwood. She went on to retire from FM Global (Factory Mutual Insurance Company) in Norwood in 1986, where she worked as a data processor.

In her retirement, Betty headed south with Bill, making their home in Zephyrhills, Florida at the park community where Betty's parents lived. Betty remained close to her parents throughout her life, and was grateful to be so close to care for Henry and Lena in their later years. As Bill became active on the Board, Betty took an opportunity to plan social gatherings, bingo nights, dinners, and lots of dances. After her parents and her beloved Bill passed, Betty became more of a snowbird in her Zephyrhills community before moving back to East Walpole full time in 2015.

Betty and Bill shared an incredible relationship over the years, bonding over many things, including, dance, travel, and most importantly, family. They loved showcasing their skills on the dance floor every Friday night, and had a special talent for line dancing, which they taught for a time. As avid travelers, Betty and Bill cruised throughout the Caribbean, seeing each island, enjoyed a trip to the California Coast, and adored their big trip to Hawaii. While their social calendar was always full, Betty and Bill centered their lives together around their family. They looked forward to gathering with everyone in their home on Donnell Road for holidays, celebrations, and family reunions.

Beloved wife of the late William Peter Norton.

Loving mother of William P. Norton Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Walpole, John J. Norton and his wife, Elizabeth, of Taunton, Kevin G. Norton of East Walpole, Brian F. Norton and his wife, Eileen, of Franklin, Mary Lee Norton of East Walpole, and mother-in-law of Lois Norton.

Cherished grandmother of Matthew Norton, Ryan Norton, Colin Norton, Sarah Norton-Cuneo, Craig Norton, and Joshua Norton.

Sister of the late Henry L. "Hank" Barrows, Jr.

All services took place privately with Betty's immediate family. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Walpole Food Pantry, P.O. Box 43, Walpole, MA 02081.

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Elizabeth Norton

December 29, 1925 — August 2, 2021

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