“Grammy” is survived by her children, Scott Norton (Audrey), Paula Moors (Jeff), and Craig Norton; and her three grandsons, Charlie Moors (Katie Lenehan), Jack Norton and Sam Moors (Allie Hood). She is also survived by her life-long best friend in Montreal, Sheila Fitzgibbon. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her husband of almost 60 years, Robert F. Norton.
Born in Verdun, Quebec, in 1936, Marilyn was the only child of Charles and Dorothy Desgroseilliers. Marilyn was educated at Verdun High School, where she met Bob, and obtained a teaching degree from MacDonald College.
Marilyn and Bob married in 1958. They began married life in Verdun but Bob’s employer, Shell Canada, decided to transfer him to different locations in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia, resulting in Marilyn packing up and moving house eleven times. She taught school for a few years before deciding to stay home and raise the kids, although to Paula and Craig’s chagrin, she returned to substitute teaching at their elementary school.
In each place they lived, Mom and Dad made many life-long friends. They enjoyed hosting elaborate dinner parties and family dinners. Mom was an amazing cook and baker. She was trained in French cooking by Chef Pol Martin in Montreal. She liked the finer things. She was extremely talented artistically, creating needlepoint, toll painting and knitted items for family and friends. Many of her friends’ children and grandchildren have hand-knit Christmas stockings from Marilyn.
In the 1980s, Marilyn and her best friends in Halifax decided to start a catering business called Creative Catering. The business was a success in their eyes, measured more by the opportunity to create together and socialize than by any net profit. The same friends met socially to make various arts and crafts and became known as the “stitch and bitch” group.
Mom was a people watcher. Whether in a restaurant, on a plane or from her living room window, she was overtly curious of what others were doing. Rumour has it that “neighbourhood watch” was started by Mom.
In retirement, Marilyn and Bob enjoyed spending time with friends, playing bridge, hosting dinners and traveling. Their greatest joy and most significant dedication were to their three grandsons. The “boys” were doted upon and spoiled, and each enjoyed a very special relationship with Grammy and Grampy.
At Mom’s request there will be no service. She would want you to remember her by enjoying a glass of scotch and a good meal with family or friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Autism Nova Scotia.
The family would like to thank the staff at Parkland At The Lakes for their care for Mom over the past three years and in particular Emily and Fay for their outstanding care in providing peace and comfort to Mom in her final days and hours.
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