Harlyne Joyce Norris

1933 - 2016

Harlyne Joyce Norris

Harlyne Norris, beloved mother, Nana and friend died peacefully after a short, but mighty battle with cancer on July 30. She was 83.

Born June 13th, 1933 in Santa Monica to Harney and Evelyn Whitlock, Harlyne attended Santa Monica High and continued her studies at UCLA where she joined the Tri Delta sorority and formed many lifelong friendships. She married Gene Frank Martin soon after college and was a full-time parent to her three children.

After losing her first husband, she met Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. They married in 1973 and became partners in both life and philanthropy. She joined the family foundation as a trustee in 1981, and took over as its chair in 1997, following Kenneth Norris, Jr.s' death. Her three children and his son from his first marriage also sit on the foundation's board.

A civic-minded volunteer and philanthropist, Harlyne devoted herself to her family and causes in science, medicine and the arts. She and her late husband, Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. were generous benefactors to USC, continuing a tradition of giving begun by his parents through the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation. The Norris family was instrumental to creating the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and USC Norris Cancer Hospital, one of the premier cancer centers in the nation. In 2008 Harlyne was awarded an honorary degree by USC in recognition of her service, generosity and guidance to the university and other organizations that she was dedicated to. She volunteered her time and skills to many non-profit organizations in the South Bay and Los Angeles County and was particularly proud of the Norris Theatre and the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion located in Rolling Hills Estates.

Due to her strong leadership, commitment and joy for life, Harlyne's calendar was always full. She was on time, prepared, and arrived in style wherever she went. She enjoyed doing so much with her companion Dr. Webb Castor as well as with countless other friends. She found such joy in simple things: her book club meetings, afternoon movies followed by butter pecan ice cream cones; Sunday drives by the sea; lobster roll sandwiches in San Pedro for First Thursday; playing card games, all kinds, Scrabble, Rummikub, crossword puzzles, flowers, music, concerts and plays. She was also a member of Seaside Community United Church of Christ in Torrance.

She loved all things beautiful and she made all things she touched beautiful. In reflecting on her greatest accomplishment, Harlyne stated she was most proud of her family and the closeness shared. Nana cherished holidays, annual vacations and milestone events every year with the entire family, often renting homes to accommodate her children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. Evening dice games with her family have become family tradition, and Nana doing the "Yahtzee Dance" was a highlight.

Her absence will be felt by so many, yet her legacy of family, love and giving will continue in the hearts of her children and to those she served.

A Tribute and Celebration of Life for Harlyne J. Norris has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 4pm at the Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Drive (formerly Crossfield Drive) Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. A Celebration of Harlyne's Life will directly follow across the street at the Harlyne J. Norris Pavilion until 9pm. The Pavilion is located at 501 Indian Peak Road Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. The family requests donations be made to
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
1441 Eastlake Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90033

USC – Flora Thornton School of Music
840 West 34th Street, MUS 408
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0851

Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.