Obituary of Mary M. Norton

Mary Margaret Norton, a dedicated community volunteer and lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, died of pancreatic cancer Oct. 11, 2019, in Hospice House, Lockport.  She was 72.

 Born Nov. 27, 1946, she was the daughter of the late James Paul and Margaret Evelyn (Raths) Montgomery. She graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1964 and received a bachelor’s degree in French from SUNY Fredonia in 1968.  She taught French at South Junior High School from 1968 to 1973 and later worked as an administrative assistant at the Summit Healthplex office of Niagara Family Medicine.

She married Bruce Thomas Norton, a LaSalle High School teacher, July 11, 1970, at St. Paul Calvary Lutheran Church, Niagara Falls. Bruce died Sept. 21, 1999. Mary was a volunteer at Memorial Medical Center for nearly 50 years, initially as a member of the Niagara Falls Service League and later the Medical Center Auxiliary.  She served as president of both groups and chaired countless events and fundraisers.  She organized the Schoellkopf Park Garden Club to maintain the park adjoining the hospital and since December 2003 was manager of the medical center gift shop. She was active with The Tatler, serving as president of the historic club and its foundation. She was a member of the Niagara Beautification Commission, Monday Study Club, Niagara Falls Women’s Club and Niagara Falls Little Theater. Mary was named the 2016 Merrill Lane Member of the year from the Niagara County Beautification Committee. Known as a gracious hostess, she loved to entertain in her home, which she delighted in decorating for every holiday.  Her green thumb made her flower gardens the envy of her neighborhood.

 She is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Martin Villafuerte) of Orlando, Fla., a twin brother James (Wanda Arrowood) Montgomery of Brandywine, MD., several cousins,  and a legion of wonderful friends.

 A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 2, at the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston, 505 Cayuga St., with the Rev. Dr. Joyce E. Sirianni officiating. Mary donated her body to the UB Anatomical Gift Program.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Auxiliary of Memorial Medical Center, 621 10^th St., Niagara Falls, NY 14302; The Tatler Foundation, 6 Fourth St., Niagara Falls, NY 14303, and Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY  14094. The Hardison Funeral Homes Inc., Lewiston, is assisting with arrangements. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com for online registry.