Marjorie R Norton

Marjorie Ruth Norton, 84, of Highland, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 12, 1941, in East Chicago, IN, to Kenneth DeVearl and Nancy Norton. She is survived by her brother, Steven (Janet) Norton of Gilbert, AZ; sister, Jackoline (late Bill) Zukley of Sarasota, FL; dear friends, Marilee (Randy) Seymour of Bellevue, WA, and Rev. David Smith of Highland; as well as beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Marge grew up in Hammond, IN, and graduated from Hammond High School. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington, graduating in 1962. She later earned a Masters Degree in education. After college, Marge taught for four years in Long Island, NY. She then returned to the Calumet Region where she taught physical education at Woodrow Wilson Memorial School and Wentworth Intermediate School in Calumet City, IL, for almost thirty years.

During that time, Marge and Mary Ellen Smith coached the girls’ volleyball and basketball teams at Bishop Noll Institute. For many years, Marge and Mary Ellen were co-leaders of a senior Girl Scout troop. Marge also served as director of Camp Taconja of the Calumet Council.

Marge enjoyed fishing, camping, and vacations to National Parks and wilderness areas. She and Mary Ellen took numerous groups of scouts on canoe trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota. Marge will be remembered for her kind, caring heart, her generous spirit, and her great sense of humor.

She was a faithful member of Our Lady of Grace Parish where she was an active member of the Altar and Rosary Sodality. During her retirement, Marge enjoyed participating in a crafting group that did tole painting to sell at the church’s annual bazaar which she chaired several times. She learned woodworking and scroll saw craftsmanship to prepare items for the crafters.

For over a decade, Marge organized and led the OLG Tripsters on bus trips that explored numerous tourist destinations throughout the Midwest and as far away as Pennsylvania and Colorado. Marge was also an accomplished cook and enjoyed using fresh vegetables from her garden.

Visitation will be held at the Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, 2828 Highway Ave in Highland on Thursday, July 31, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The OLG Altar & Rosary and Ephesus House will lead a Rosary service at 4:45 pm followed at 5:00 pm by a prayer service. A Girl Scout tribute will follow. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 3025 Highway Ave in Highland on Friday, August 1, at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marge’s name to Providence Hospice of Tinley Park, IL, will be appreciated. https://www.providencelifeservices.com/giving/advancement-form

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