Kathleen Norris

After a twenty-three year battle with ovarian cancer Kathy Norris of Asheboro died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Henry and Lois Krsnak, the oldest of six children. Growing up in Willingboro, New Jersey, she attended John F. Kennedy High School. Upon graduation she studied at Radford College in Virginia. After receiving her degree in elementary education, she began teaching at Seagrove School where she spent her entire 30 year career.

For years she worked tirelessly to raise money for Relay for Life, something she continued to do even after her own diagnosis. Following her diagnosis she regularly participated in The Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk as well as Athena’s Run, both fundraisers for ovarian cancer. She became very active in various support groups for cancer survivors and served as a beacon of courage, hope and survival for so many people dealing with cancer.

Above all she was a devoted mother, grandmother, big sister and friend.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one brother, Peter Krsnak. She is survived by her daughter Amy Blackman (Harvey); two grandsons, Henry and Philip; four siblings, Donald (Julie), Nancy (Dan) and Richard (Suzanne) Krsnak, and Beth Bernstein (Steve); and five nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long time partner and “better than a husband” John.

The family would like to thank Dr. Charles Pippitt, Dr. Joshua Trinidad, nurses Robin Atkinson, Lori Penniger and Betsy Russell, as well as countless other nurses who provided such wonderful care.

A celebration of life will be held at Central Global Methodist Church in Asheboro on Sunday, October 27 at 3:30 pm. A visitation will be held at the church from 2:00 to 3:15 pm. For those able to attend the celebration the family requests attendees wear something teal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Randolph ( hospiceofrandolph.org/donate/ ) or The Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk (ovarianawareness.org)

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is handling the arrangements.