Karen Allen Norton

Karen Allen Norton Westbrook ME Karen Allen Norton died unexpectedly on July 30, 2025 at her home in Westbrook, Maine. She was born May 22, 1962 to Eva Maytan Norton and Lyle F. Norton, in Minneapolis, MN. The family relocated to Schodack, NY, a rural area near Albany. Karen was an active child who made friends easily and participated in many extracurricular activities. She graduated from Columbia High School, East Greenbush, NY, Class of 1980 and graduated from Union College, Schenectady, NY in 1984 with a degree in economics. After graduation, she married a Union College classmate, Gordon Ross. They moved to Boston where Karen worked in business. They divorced in 1995 and subsequently she went to Simons College, Boston MA to change careers, with a goal of a "people oriented" profession. She competed a MA in Physical Therapy in 1997, focusing on babies and young children and worked in rehabilitation and early intervention programs. She married Charles Ewing of Westbrook, ME in 2009, with a shared love of music, books, travel, and the outdoors, and she continued to work as a pediatric physical therapist in Portland, ME. Karen was an active, cheerful and outgoing person who developed lasting friendships with extended family, colleagues and her patient's families. Her compassion for others manifested in donations to pan handlers, multiple charities and volunteer work throughout her life. She was passionate about music, both instrumental and choral. She played clarinet and oboe for many years, was active in choirs and attended the Portland Symphony regularly with her husband Charles. She and Charles were active members of the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Adirondack Mountain Club, and enjoyed family canoe trips. She was predeceased by her mother, Eva Norton, and her husband, Charles Ewing. She is survived by her father, Lyle Norton, Keene NY; sister Lisa Norton (Paul Rose) of Keene NY; brother, Dana Norton of Albany, NY; and nephews Aidan Rose and Calvin Rose. A Memorial Service will be held Sept. 13, 2-4 at Dolby, Blais and Segee Funeral Home at 35 Church Street, Westbrook, ME with visitation from 2 to 3pm followed by a service from 3 to 4pm. Parking is available across the street in a public lot. Burial will be private. Donations may be made in Karen's memory to your favorite food pantry.