Mary Ann Norton

Obituary

Mary Ann Norton, 96, died Monday, October 31, 2005 at May Creek Lodge in Walker, MN. Mary was born on May 7, 1909 to James and Anna (Callahan) Norton in Osage, Iowa. In 1912, her family homesteaded in Turtle Lake Township,  mile east of Cyphers, a former town near Walker, MN. She attended Cyphers School from the age of 5, and then went on to boarding school at St. Ben's in 1923, graduating in 1927. She enrolled in Mr. Ross's Normal Training class in Walker, graduating in the spring of 1928 and thus, began her teaching career. She taught at numerous country schools in the Leech Lake area between the years of 1928-1942. In November of 1942, she joined the Army during the first campaign, ever, to enlist women. She served as a Sargeant in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corp. and was honorably discharged on December 29, 1945 and returned to teaching. In 1953, she expanded her education at St. Catherine's, receiving an Occupational Therapy degree and a life certification to teach Special Education. She worked also with adoptions and foster care and was employed by the Cass County Welfare Department. She completed her career in International Falls, MN, retiring in 1972 after 11 years of teaching there. She returned to Cyphers, living at her home until moving to May Creek Lodge in Walker. Mary was an avid painter whose media was watercolors. She was also skilled in woodcarving and liked to garden. She was a striking figure with an admirable character and was a vital part of Walker history who will long be remembered. She was a charter member of the Leech Lake Art League and an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, the Senior Leech Lakers, Minnesota Rural Artists, and the Cass County Historical Society, with special interest in the Museum Committee. She is survived by nieces, nephews, and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Harry, Hugh, Lon and Cecil Norton; and sisters, Lorraine Norton and Agnes Kathleen (Edward) Keefe. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, November 7, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Walker, MN. Fr. Frederick Method will officiate with interment in Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to St. Joseph's Hospice of Park Rapids, MN. Arrangements are by Thomas-Dennis Funeral Home of Walker. (218-547-1112)