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Lisa Norton Obituary
Lisa Norton, aged 67, of Wadsworth, IL, and formerly of Waukegan, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was married to her loving husband, Thomas Norton for 42 years.
Lisa graduated from Waukegan High School and attended Western Illinois University. She spent many years working in the library at Waukegan High School, where she met many life-long friends. Lisa cherished her time with her grandchildren, and her optimism and bravery through her battle with cancer inspired many. Her light and legacy will live on through those who loved her.
Lisa is survived by her husband, Thomas Norton; her daughter, Emalie (Steve) Dalbke; her grandchildren, Rowan and Zinnia; her sister, Lili Melhorn; and her brother-in-law, Gordon Frankel. She is preceded in death by her parents, R. William, and Akiko Melhorn.
A Memorial Mass for Lisa will take place at 11am on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 15000 W. Wadsworth Rd. Wadsworth, IL 60083. A reception will follow at The Shanty, 38985 HWY 41 Wadsworth, IL 60083. RSVP to Sandra Norton 630-698-9772.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gurnee Salata Funeral Home 847-244-1155.
Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Norton
31 Entries
Robin Steinberg Steinberg
March 19, 2026
I met Lisa when I taught at Waukegan High School. She was a very kind and intelligent person. We were also Facebook friends. She adored Tom and her family. Her adorable grandchildren lit up her life and kept her going. Her courage was an inspiration to everyone. I didn’t get to see her because I moved to North Carolina. I am so sad for her entire family. Her death is a great loss
René Bushelle
January 29, 2026
I have always admired Lisa for her amazing ability to make friends with whomever she met. She seemed to have an understanding heart as well as a capacity to view life from a wider perspective. Her positivity and love for life shone throughout her trials. I believe she made a lasting impression on all of us who were fortunate enough to know her.
Vicki Hohf
January 14, 2026
I loved working with Lisa. She was always upbeat and happy. My condolences to her family.
Laurie Rickerd
January 8, 2026
I am so very glad to have had a good friend in Lisa Melhorn Norton. All the times, from elementary school to high school, church retreats, college (with Tom) to adult years, even working at together at the high school occasionally, have been a joy, just like Lisa herself. Love to Tom, Emalie, and family who will pass on her legacy.
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Richard Quinn
January 8, 2026
Tom, Emalie, family, and friends,
Lisa was a kind, decent and helpful person, so welcoming at the WHS library. So sorry to hear about your loss. As a colleague, there was no one more helpful and encouraging. The world will miss her.
Rich Quinn
Karen Bollinger
December 31, 2025
Tom, Emalie and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Lisa was such a kind, encouraging and fun friend. We miss her dearly.
We think of the fun times when we went to the Genesee theater and Independence grove for music and the fun campfires together at Illinois beach, in addition to the great dinners and other get-togethers.
Lisa always had a positive outlook about her cancer and managed to live fully and beautifully. She was an inspiration and wonderful example of perseverance through life’s trials. She loved her family so much and those darling grandkids! I’m sure all who had the privilege of knowing her are missing her and are grateful to have known her.
We keep each of you in our thoughts and in our hearts.
Karen and Jeff Bollinger
Gina Ornelas
December 30, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will love you and miss you always.
Stephen Ratican
December 28, 2025
Tom,
So sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace. God Bless.
Steve Ratican
Marianela Peterson
December 28, 2025
What a joyous spirit Lisa exuded in all her posts of pictures showing shared moments with her husband, daughter, and grandchildren! Knowing the health challenges she faced, I admired and was inspired by her zest for life and her optimistic perseverence. What an amazing and beautiful soul! What a devoted and loving mom, grandmother, and wife! What a role model for many of us of how to live in the moment and never lose your sense of hope for the future, love for family & friends, empathy for strangers, joy in nature, and knowledge & confidence in self! My heartfelt condolences to all those who loved her and all those she loved. Lisa will be missed, but memories of her and recollections of her beautiful example will be cherished. Love, strength, peace, and healing sweet memories to her loving and devoted family.
Rick Kantola
December 14, 2025
Tom, I'm so sorry to hear about Lisa's passing. I'm sure you have many great memories to comfort you in your time of loss.
Lili Melhorn
December 14, 2025
The most loving sister, true friend to all really God's gift to me...fellow traveler in life. How lucky I have been to have such a wonderful person next to me. I will miss you, love you forever. Your sister Lili.
Kip Deforest
December 13, 2025
Lisa was an inspiration to me. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting her, my husband spoke of her often, so I felt as if I knew her. I’m sorry for your sad loss but I know you have many wonderful memories to help comfort you.
Lydia Crawford
December 13, 2025
Going to miss your smile, morning pictures,the mantle decorations and so much more. Thank you for all the fun times in highschool and your positive view of life.
Cheryl Kolar-romanowski
December 13, 2025
Tom, Lisa's smile was so radiant each time I saw her. She was full of joy and always happy. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Lisa, please pray for us. Amen
Claudia Landolfi
December 13, 2025
What started with working together at Waukegan High School turned into a treasured friendship for many years once we both retired. I am so grateful I got to know Lisa, and my life has been forever touched by her beautiful spirit. My deepest condolences to Tom, Emalie and your families. Sending love and prayers as you grieve your profound loss.❤
Margaret Davis
December 12, 2025
Lisa was a lovely lady, and she will be greatly missed. It is my prayer that our God will give you comfort and strength.
Mary Jo Bryant
December 12, 2025
My sincere sympathies to the entire family. So enjoyed catching up with Lisa at our last two reunions. She was an inspiration to many and a fighter. She will be truly missed. Sending prayers and strength to the family.
Ross Carnes
December 12, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I have enjoyed seeing all of your family pictures and know how important she was to everyone. I pray for healing at this difficult time. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
MaryFrances Troha
December 12, 2025
She leaves a legacy of how to live joyfully in adversity for all to find as an inspiration!
Trevor Horne
December 12, 2025
Lisa was a great friend and inspiration to me. Tom and family I pray that one day your hearts will be comforted from the loss of your wife, mom and grandma.
Sandie Japuntich
December 12, 2025
Dear Tom, Emalie and family, What an incredible woman Lisa was. She treated everyone with such kindness and love. May God wrap his arms around all of you through this difficult time. Rest in peace dear Lisa, you. were so loved
Peggy Dever
December 12, 2025
Dear Emalie and family. I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Sending Love and prayers.
Terri Pavlick-Crandall
December 12, 2025
Lisa and I met at Waukegan High School. She was always so kind to me and wonderful to be around. I am thankful for the memory of her bright light. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Peggy Petropoulos-Kiriazis
December 12, 2025
To Lisa's Family,
Lisa was a remarkable person.I am so sorry for your loss.
She is at peace and no more pain.
May her memory be eternal.
Donna Murray-Ochoa
December 12, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I didn’t know Lisa in high school, but did follow her and other classmates on Facebook. She was surely an inspiration and fighter. Rest in peace now our fellow classmate.
Elsa Murillo
December 12, 2025
I was a student at the high school from 2003-2007. Mrs. Norton and her kindness when I needed to escape and just hang in the library helped me so much when things were unstable at home. Her help in finding resources for my assignments was invaluable. I’m so sorry to hear of her loss. Prayers for her loved ones.
Lynn Kurth
December 12, 2025
Lisa was one of a kind. Her warmth and joy will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to you Tom and to your beautiful family.
Patricia Stoffle
December 12, 2025
Lisa and I met freshman year of High School and we were inseparable. I lived in Beach Park and she lived close to West Campus. We would ride our bikes to each others homes until we got our drivers license. I was driving a Chevy station wagon with a 3 speed on the steering wheel, lol the adventures we had with that car! Scooping the loop, hanging out at the beach. My first concert was with Lisa. We saw Grand Funk Railroad and her dad drove us there and back. After high school we drifted apart but always reconnected. Thanks to facebook I saw her many wonderful trips she took with Tom. Her posts about her daughter and her beautiful grandchildren. The last conversation we had was about our upcoming reunion and how we needed to catch up. RIP my sweet friend ❤
Dale Justin
December 12, 2025
I am sorry to hear this news. I had heard at the last reunion Lisa had been sick. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Janice Coia
December 12, 2025
So sorry for your loss, prayers to the family.
Sylvia Romero
December 12, 2025
I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to Tom and family.
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Jan
8
Memorial Mass
11:00 a.m.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
15000 W. Wadsworth Rd., Wadsworth, IL 60083