Carol A. Norton

Obituary of Carol A. Norton

Carol Ann (DeMar) Norton, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her devoted family, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease on Monday, September 1, 2025. She was 87 years old.

Carol was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, one of two daughters of William and Alice DeMar. She enjoyed a joyful childhood growing up in Taunton and graduated from St. Mary's High School. Later in life, she proudly earned her Associate Degree from Middlesex Community College-a testament to her lifelong commitment to learning.

The summer after graduating high school, Carol went on a blind date with Frank Norton, a fellow Taunton native who lived just a mile away. Although they had mutual friends, their paths hadn't crossed until that first date-a game of tennis that would lead to a beautiful lifelong partnership. Carol and Frank were married in 1961, and in 1966, they settled in their forever home in Burlington.

Their marriage was filled with love, mutual respect, shared Catholic values, and a true sense of adventure. Carol and Frank were deeply involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Together, they traveled extensively, exploring the world's most historic and breathtaking places. From Europe and Russia to China, Egypt, Morocco, and South America, they experienced over 20 river and ocean cruises, creating cherished memories with each journey.

In recent years, as Alzheimer's gradually took its toll, Frank remained steadfast by Carol's side, lovingly caring for her at home with great devotion. His unwavering support and tenderness were a reflection of their unbreakable bond and enduring love.

Carol was an incredibly supportive mother. She never missed a ballet recital, softball game, swim meet or theater performance. She instilled in her daughters strong values and a moral compass that guided them into adulthood and parenthood. Family camping trips throughout New England created treasured memories and stories that are still shared today. Carol was always there with wisdom, love, and support.

When her grandchildren came along, Carol fully embraced her role as "Grandma." She helped babysit whenever needed and was a proud presence at baseball and football games, track and gymnastics meets, theater productions, and any event that was important to them. Her joy came from being involved in their lives and celebrating their milestones.

In addition to her deep devotion to her family, Carol loved her work and was an active member of her community. She worked in the sales department of Reed & Barton Silver Co. before starting a family. Once her daughters were in school, she returned to work-first at Sears in the Burlington Mall and later in the medical records department at Lahey Clinic Hospital.

Carol had many passions. She was a longtime member of the Burlington Garden Club and was active with the Junior Garden Club, always tending lovingly to her own perennial garden. She was involved in the Burlington Historical Society and volunteered with Friends In Service Helping (F.I.S.H.), a community outreach organization. A woman of strong faith, she taught CCD at both St. Margaret and St. Eulalia Churches and sang in the St. Eulalia Choir for over 13 years.

Carol was also an avid and talented quilter. Her handcrafted quilts-many now treasured family heirlooms-were created with love and care. She was a member of the Burlington Quilters' Guild, often traveling with friends for quilting retreats and workshops.

Carol will be remembered for her sweet, kind, and welcoming spirit. She knew her neighbors well, made friends wherever she went, and shared her warmth and goodness with everyone she met. She was truly a special woman-someone who lived for her family and whose love, strength, and kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.

Carol was the beloved wife of 64 years of beloved wife of Francis M. Norton. She was the loving mother of Kathleen Whitman & her husband Michael of Marlborough, Julie Feierstein & her partner Mary Barbarow of Sterling, Rosemary Callahan & her husband Paul of Acton, and Jennifer DiSanto & her husband Christopher of Fairfield, CT. She was the sister of the late Rosemary Krystofolski & her late husband Robert. Carol was the proud grandmother of Sarah Feierstein, Joshua Feierstein & his wife Rosa, Matthew Feierstein, Jason Feierstein, Michael Whitman, Madeline Whitman, Adam Callahan, Jonathan DiSanto, and Elias Matos. She was the great grandmother of Natalie Cardin.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Friday, September 5 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 8:45 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Eulalia Church, www.steulalia.org, 50 Ridge Street, Winchester, MA at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.

Memorials in Carol's name may be made to Doctors Without Borders, www.doctorswithoutborders.org, 40 Rector St., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10006.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net