Josephine Norton

1929 - 2022

Josephine Norton
September 24, 1929 - September 9, 2022
La Jolla
Josephine Norton passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on September 9, 2022. Jody was born in La Jolla at Scripps Hospital when it was located on Prospect Street. She grew up in Manila, Philippines, where her father was a gold mining engineer. He worked at several mines in the mountains north of Manila.
After Pearl Harbor, unfortunately Jody and her parents were trapped and were taken into a civilian prisoner of war camp. They were interned for three years, one month, and three days before being liberated by the United States Army. The family then returned to La Jolla where she was enrolled in The Bishop's School.
Jody graduated in 1948 from Bishop's and then attended San Jose State College where she joined the Alpha Phi Sorority. After a few semesters she returned to the Philippines to be with her parents and to work at the American Embassy.
In the social whirl of Manila society of the early 1950s, Jody was the belle of the ball especially when it came to jitterbugging. She was introduced to Ty Norton by a mutual friend, but after he inadvertently stood her up on their first date, she was heard to say, "If I ever date Ty Norton again it will be over my dead body." They were married two years later in the beautiful chapel at St. James-by-the-Sea and enjoyed almost 57 years together before Ty passed away in 2011.
For 13 years, Ty and Jody relished living in the far east where their three beautiful daughters, Abi, Marilyn, and Beverley, were born. In 1967, the Norton family moved back to La Jolla for good. Jody became involved with her children's activities, helping her husband with La Jolla Hardware, assisting with the annual White Elephant Sale at St. James, and reconnecting with dear friends from her Bishop's days.
Over the years Jody and Ty traveled far and wide to visit family and friends near and dear to their hearts. They never would have stopped traveling if it had not been for health issues.
In her final years her focus was on her three daughters and their families. Jody was a gracious and loving person who will be loved and missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her three daughters, two sons-in-law, six grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, Bridge Hospice, or your favorite charity.
Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 3rd at St. James-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church at 1:30 PM followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.

Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ lajollalight