NORMA YATES

NORMA YATES ( PRESTON ) ESSEX JUNCTION - Norma M. Preston, 88, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. She was born January 22, 1921 in Burlington. She was the daughter of George L. and Florence (Madden) Preston. Norma graduated from Burlington High School Class of 1938 and attended UVM ( class of 1942). In 1942, Norma married Clifton E. Yates Sr. of Essex Junction. After Clif's return from the military service during World War II, the couple lived in several southern and central communities in Vermont. In 1958, Clif requested and was granted a transfer to Burlington Marshal's Office and the family returned to their former home territory and settled in Essex Junction. Norma's interests were varied, but centered around her family. She especially enjoyed family, camping and the beauty and wonders of the unspoiled natural environment. Norma is survived by her daughter and caregiver, Nancy Yates Bawa Liddic of Essex Junction; her grandson Jaspaul S. Bawa of Dallas, TX; and her granddaughter and husband Heather and Craig Blair and their two children Brenden (13) and Alexandra (9) of Fletcher; her sister in law and friend throughout the years Laura Zeno Preston of Burlington; her sister in law and husband, Barbara and Bob Jones and family in Lakeview, Ore.; a dear friend from high school days, Jane Badger Schultz of Sharn, Mass.; and her very special group of friends of Brothers and Sisters in the East Burlington Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Norma was predeceased by her husband, Clifton Yates, Sr. in 2002; son Clifton Yates Jr. in 1997; brother Wilson Preston in 1994; and brother Donald Preston in 1998. There will be a memorial at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Colchester on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009 at 4 p.m. Arrangements are in the care of Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 9 Pleasant Street, Essex Junction.