Marcia V. Norris
Sep 15, 1933 - Jan 23, 2021
We lost a part of "old San Francisco" on January 23rd. Marcia passed away in her beloved apartment of 63 years in Laurel Heights. Marcia never married, and therefore, had no children. In her day Marcia was considered a "career girl." Marcia lived alone and worked at the Bay Area Council for 30 years. Marcia was predeceased by her brothers, Edgar III and Creighton Sr. (S.I. '49) and sister, Marilyn (Stanford '56). Marcia is survived by her nephews, Creighton Jr., Stephen, Warren, Christopher (S.I. '80) and Courtney (S.I. '82).
Marcia and her twin sister, Marilyn, were born in the Hawaiian Territories in 1933. We checked the long form of Marcia's birth certificate and she was, in fact, a U.S. citizen. Marcia's father, Edgar W. Norris Jr., was a physician with the U.S. Public Health Service. Due to his position and his service during WWII, the family had to relocate every few years. Marcia and the family lived in places like Hot Springs, AR and Baltimore, MD. In 1946, Dr. Norris and the family moved to government housing on Angel Island. He was assigned to the Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island. Dr. Norris tended to the prisoners, the likes of which were "Machine Gun" Kelly. Marcia and Marilyn attended St. Brigid's grammar and high school. Marcia's brother, Creighton Sr., attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory. The three had to take the ferry, a barge or any vessel heading to the City to commute to school. Marcia recounted many harrowing trips across the Bay in dense fog. In 1950 the family moved off the island.
Marcia went to Lone Mountain College for women which is now part of the University of San Francisco. Marilyn went to Stanford ('56) and studied nursing. Marilyn joined the Maryknoll Order and used her nursing skills in Hong Kong and Sudan. Marcia was a devout Catholic and constant companion to her mother, Cecile. The San Francisco Cultural and Sexual Revolutions passed Marcia by. Marcia was an original parishioner at St. Stephen's Church near Stonestown. Marcia attended St. Edward's Church for decades until it was closed. Marcia continued to worship at St. Dominic's Church until her health did not allow her to attend mass. Marcia was a generous supporter of many Catholic organizations. They are going to miss her.
Sincerest thanks go out to home caregiver, Lorna Cawili, neighbors Adrienne, Carol and Michael. There were several calls to those wonderful neighbors who acted selflessly to assist Marcia when she had fallen or needed to go to the hospital.
When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted an 11:00 mass at St. Dominic's Church will be offered for Marcia. Interment of Marcia's ashes will be at Holy Cross Cemetery alongside her parents.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities of San Francisco.