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Harlyne Norris Obituary
Norris was best known by the buildings named after her, particularly the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion at the Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory and a cancer research center at USC. It was a commitment to philanthropy and her family that set her apart, said her daughter, Lisa Hansen, chair of the board of trustees for the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation.
"What made her so special is her sharp mind and her wonderful personality and sense of humor," Hansen said. "She had a real zeal for life."
Memories and Condolences
for Harlyne Norris
21 Entries
September 7, 2016
Harlyne was a fun and generous person. I truly enjoyed her company every time we were together! She will be missed by many, many of us!
Rosemary Humphrey
August 14, 2016
Harlyne was soooo much fun! We spent many evenings laughing till it hurt!
She will be so missed, but what great memories she leaves with all of us.
Ed and Susie Beall
Shari Thorell
August 10, 2016
It's hard to imagine that such a lovely,gracious and unassuming lady made such a BIG impact in this world. Just think of all the good she contributed through her leadership and generosity to USC, the South Bay, and to so many organizations through the Norris Foundation.
Harlyne was thoughtful, open to new ideas, and a woman of action! Most of all, she loved her family...and she loved the institutions to which she devoted countless hours of insights and volunteerism over the years.
And did I mention? She was beautiful --- inside and out!
My heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the family.
Lena French
August 8, 2016
Words cannot express our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We are blessed to have known Harlyne. She was a long time friend and supporter of our children at the Blind Children's Center. She was a wonderful, loving person and she will be greatly missed.
Family Bruffey
August 8, 2016
Our family wishes peace to all whom will miss her and whom cherished their love and time with her. .
August 6, 2016
Lisa,
I was saddened to learn of your mother leaving us. She was such an inspiration and always so interested in others. Jan Switzer and I always looked forward to our time with her and of course always appreciated the generosity and care she showed toward the work that was being done at the Center.
Im sure the world does not seem quite the same without her but we can all find comfort in knowing how much she made it a better place.
My best to you and your family.
Judy Borck, cofounder of the Switzer Learning Center
August 4, 2016
Harlyne was a student of mine in one course at Marymount California University. She was intellectually alive, curious, and humble--all the attributes of a good learner.
I will miss her. My sincerest wishes of peace for all the others who will miss her also.
Dr. Kenneth J. Zanca
Professor Emeritus
Marymount California University
Diane Zippi
August 4, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear about the death of Harlyne. She was a good person and easy to talk to. When I first met her and told her I was one of the first female jockeys she said, "I think you're swell." I'll never forget her kindness and friendship. Rest in peace, Harlyne. I'll never forget you.
Dr. Carole Brennan
August 4, 2016
I am so saddened by the death of dear Harlyne. Getting to know her was a joy. Her sense of humor brightened everyone and everything around her. Earth is a bit darker now, but heaven sure is brighter. May flights of angels sing her to her rest.
Stacy Moulton
August 4, 2016
Dear Lisa and family,
I am very sorry for the loss of your dear mother. May you always have the fondest memories of her.
Sincerely, Stacy Moulton
August 4, 2016
Harlyne Norris was not only generous, thoughtful and kind, but also elegant, considerate and compassionate. Her interest in providing nature experiences for underprivileged children was the final piece of beautiful humanity that she exuded. When Harlyne agreed to be featured in the PVP Land Conservancy's annual report a couple of years ago, her only request for the photos was to be "surrounded by children." And she beamed at the sight of them, asked them about their art-in-nature project, and showed such interest and joy in being a part of their day. At the President's Advisory Council for the Land Conservancy, Harlyne offered suggestions for connections and ways for the Land Conservancy to be a greater resource and ways to find broader community support and connections.
Our lives were brightened by her enthusiasm and commitment. She cared about so many things and so many people. She will be sorely missed by all of us! Our deepest condolences to the family and also to the other friends of Harlyne Norris.
With great affection and respect,
Susan Wilcox, Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy and USC alumna.
August 4, 2016
Stacie and I will miss her more than words can express. Jack Allocco
Jan Noble
August 4, 2016
Harlyne touched the heart of so many and so many memories that we all will share whinin us. R.I.P God has an angle in his kindom.
Jill Mattox Taraz
August 4, 2016
Mrs. Norris was a wonderful friend to my mom, Mary Lou Mattox, for many, many years. I have a lot of warm memories of both her and Ken coming to dinner parties at my parents' home over the years, and of going with my mom to the Norris home in the summer and swimming in the pool while the two ladies chatted and laughed together. She was a true lady in every sense of the word, and a class act. I am so sorry for your loss. I like to think that now, she and my mom are together, chatting and laughing like the old friends they are.
August 3, 2016
Harlyne is now with Gene and good friends, Gigi and Ben Stewart! Bless them all! They are all missed but those who knew them have had their lives enriched!
Love to Kim, Jim, Lisa and their families from Edie and Warren Thoreson
Cheryl Kendall
August 3, 2016
The Kendall Family
Virginia Wood
August 3, 2016
Harlyne Norris, an honorary member of Trojan League South Bay, will be missed. She was a lovely addition to our membership and a tremendous blessing to the community.
The Women of Trojan League of South Bay
Dina Dini
August 3, 2016
Dear Lisa and family,
Thank you so much for sharing your mom, Harlyne Norris, with us for these many years.
She gave so much to so many, enriching lives everywhere she went.
Words are inadequate at a time like this. You will feel a whole gamut of emotions: pain, grief, tears and memories. I can tell you that the pain, grief and tears do become less, but the memories grow stronger. One day, it will be just the smiles you remember.
Sending love and prayers.
Dina Dini
Rebecca Chambliss
August 2, 2016
What an amazing lady who lived an amazing life and gave so much. She will be missed.
Melanie Streitfeld
August 2, 2016
Lisa I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. She will be missed by all of us at the Banning Museum. She was an amazing and beautiful lady. My condolences to you and your family.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
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Memorial Events
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Aug
10
Celebration of Life
Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion
501 Indian Peak Road, Rolling Hills Estates, CA
Aug
10
Memorial service
4:00 p.m.
Norris Theatre
27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates, CA
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