Catherine C. Norton


Catherine C. Norton, 82, longtime resident of the Orr area passed away on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis.
Catherine was born on October 31, 1934 in Concord, New Hampshire the daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Davidson) Clay. She grew up in the Concord area. She met Edwin "Ed" E. Norton in Concord while he served in the Navy and they were married there on August 22, 1952. The couple then lived in Pensacola, FL after Ed's Navy transfer. After his discharge they settled in Roosevelt, Minnesota, then to Arbutus in 1956,when he received his job with the DWP Railroad. In 1963 they moved to Ash Lake where they made their home for the next 43 years. Catherine enjoyed gardening and craftwork, especially quilt making. They also owned and operated Our Family Depot Restaurant in Orr from 1989 to 1994. Catherine most recently had been making her home at the Laurentian Manor in Virginia, where she graciously make quilts for any young lady she met who was expecting, and also made a welcoming craft for any new resident of the building. She was a friend to many.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Edwin "Ed" on April 8, 2012; a daughter, Diane Wardas; and 2 brothers, William and John Clay.
Catherine is survived and will be missed by 2 sons, Edwin Jr. "Eddie" (Kay Shannon) Norton of Brooklyn Park, and William "Bill" (Char) Norton of International Falls; 1 daughter, Paulette (Lloyd) Scott of Orr; 1 brother, Thomas Clay of Concord, N.H.; and many special grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
At Catherine's request, no formal funeral service will be held, but there will be a gathering time for family and friends from 1 to 3 PM Saturday, (Dec. 31st) at the Orr American Legion. Family graveside services will be held at a later date in the Silent City Cemetery, Roosevelt, MN. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.