Carol Lynne Norton (1960-2015)

NORTON, MADDEN, TORRY

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 11/26/2015 at 20:47:49

Obituary from The Burlington Free Press, Burlington, Vermont.

Carol Lynne Norton, 55, of Burlington, died peacefully on November 10, 2015. She died exactly as she wished: Vermont Respite House, a "slumber party" with her beloved husband, Steven, and precious daughter, Eliza. Carol was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer nearly eighteen months ago; less than a week before, she had joyfully completed the Vermont City Marathon. Carol continued to run throughout her illness. Her final half marathon was in October; imagine her laughter as Steven (self described non runner) tried to keep pace. Carol was born on August 28, 1960, in Ames, Iowa, the youngest of four children born to

Joanne and Don Norton. She loved exploring the outdoors with her brothers, Glenn and Wayne, spending long hours on the farm, and riding her horse Dutch alongside her big sister, Shirley. Whenever she tried something new, she did it with gusto; who else picks up the trumpet as their first instrument at forty? She was not a natural trumpeter. But she loved it. Carol also loved running, biking and hiking long distances, she loved studying maps before a long journey, and she sometimes invited her lucky friends along for the adventure. Carol's career path reflected her openness: moving from Animal Science at Iowa State University, to human services as an Occupational Therapist, and lastly, in 1995, to her true passion as an artist. In her favorite works, open lands call out to luminous skies with a wonder that she herself maintained; her images and colors will continue to comfort us. Carol adored her friends and they adored her back. She wrote the book on what it means to be a true friend. Her friends, too numerous to cite here, would agree.

Carol is survived by her husband, Steven Madden, and daughter, Eliza Madden, as well as by her brothers Glenn and Wayne Norton. Carol had a special bond with her sister in law, Sarah Torry, and her family. She was predeceased by her parents and by her sister, Shirley Norton. Special thanks to Dr. Paul Unger and the entire staff at Champlain Valley Hematology and Oncology, as well as to all others who supported Carol over the last eighteen months. So many friends and family have stood by (and run alongside) Carol throughout her life; your inspirational, daily acts of loving kindness have been too beautiful to translate into words.

Calling hours will be Today from 5-8 p.m., at Carol's studio at 4 Howard St., Burlington, VT. A celebration of Carol's life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m. at the ECHO Center, 1 College St., Burlington, with a reception at SEABA, 404 Pine St., Burlington, immediately afterwards. In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to contribute to the South End Arts and Business Association (SEABA), at the above address.