Barbara S Norris

Barbara Smith Norris, 92, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2021, in Lakewood, NJ, surrounded by her loving daughters. Barbara would have turned 93 on her birthday Saturday, January 16th. Barbara was born January 16, 1928, in New York City, NY, to Bertha (Keast) and Donald C. Smith. She grew up with her sister, Lois, in Caldwell, NJ. Barbara married her close childhood friend Warren Gerald Norris in 1951 and lived in the New Jersey towns of Livingston, North Caldwell, Cherry Hill, Toms River and most recently Lakewood.

Barbara was a trained occupational therapist and practiced therapy in the years prior to her marriage. Barbara was also a skilled crafter exhibiting her talents through a variety of media including sewing, needlepoint, knitting and crocheting and decoy carving where she won 1st place ribbons for her work. She spent many a summer at the Jersey shore with her family and close knit group of friends, on a boat sailing with her husband Jerry or traveling to adventurous places such as the Galapagos, Alaska and the Antarctic. She also played a very active role in the lives of her daughters and grandchildren and enjoyed watching her family grow and thrive. Barbara remained active in the Church throughout her life and cared deeply for nature, wildlife and all our furry companions that surround us.

Barbara is survived by her daughters, Jo Anne Norris of Chester Springs, PA, Robin (and husband Richard) de la Parra of Jaffrey, NH, and Donna Halligan of Middletown, NJ, four grandchildren, Ryan de la Parra (and fiancée Lisa Van Orden), Laysa Johnson, née de la Parra (and husband Steven Johnson), Sean Halligan, Alexandra Halligan and one great grandson Renner Johnson who will enter the world in May 2021.

Barbara’s final resting place will be beside her husband Jerry at Prospect Hill Cemetery in West Caldwell, NJ. A small family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research

Wounded Warriors

Presbyterian Church of Toms River

World Wildlife Fund