Edna Helen Norris

Edna Helen Norris passed away peacefully on March 11, 2013, at the age of 90. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, with an unbridled joy of life tempered slightly with a throw-caution-to-the-wind zest for adventure. Edna was the type of woman who went camel riding in Africa in her fifties and snorkeling in Hawaii in her sixties. This is a woman who met life head-on with honesty and matter-of-factness. She lived her life with graciousness and laughter. She was a gifted teacher, an artistic flower arranger and judge, an enthusiastic traveler, a consummate mother and beloved wife of Claude Edgar Norris for 29 years. He preceded her in death in 1975. As an educator for almost 40 years, upon arriving in St. Joseph in the early 1950’s she taught in many of its grade schools; Washington, Jefferson, Brown, and E. P. Clarke. Edna filled her own children’s lives and the many children she taught with a love of learning, nature and each other. Her keen intelligence and smile enriched all who knew her. Her many clubs from Highland Terrace Club, the Antiquarians, to Friends of Krasl brought her happiness and friends. She particularly loved Sarett Nature Center, a recipient of much time, energy, and talent. She will be greatly missed by her family: children, Stephen, and Claudia (Jody); their spouses Barbara Norris and Richard Kapnick; her beloved grandchildren, Sarah (spouse Andrew), Amy, John, and Justin. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Market St., St. Joseph, with Reverend Thomas Batsky officiating. A private burial has taken place at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Edna Norris Classroom at Sarett Nature Center, 2300 N. Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, Michigan. Those wishing to send the family a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.