Nancy R. Norris

We lost our dear Nancy on December 17, 2025, just three weeks before her 79th birthday, and six months after the death of her beloved daughter, Lindsay. It has been a long and difficult year within a full and beautiful life, shaped by many chapters.

Nancy was born on January 9, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother, Ada Alma Lindauer Rice, was a teacher, and her father, Clarence Leslie Rice, served as a superintendent. Nancy was the youngest of three children, with brothers Donnie and Bill. She spoke fondly of being the daughter who delighted in sitting on her father's tender, welcoming lap.

Nancy attended Ohio University, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, before settling in the Akron area. There, she built her adult life around family, work, and community. She was the mother of Blair David Oliver and Lindsay Oliver Burgermeister, roles that remained central to her life.

Nancy was involved in her church, always sang in the choir, volunteered as a math tutor, and participated in a missionary trip to Africa. Her professional life included years as both a teacher and an accountant, culminating in her work as a CPA for the Salvation Army, a position she considered her dream job. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling and shared adventures with her husband, Doug Norris. They were worldwide travelers, along with making special trips to visit their precious family all over the country and enjoyed the arts through musicals, concerts and plays.

A devoted sports fan, Nancy carried on the lifelong family tradition rooting for her Ohio teams with enthusiasm and precision. She tracked the Browns, Buckeyes, Cavaliers, and Guardians closely, rarely missing a game and keeping careful watch on scores and statistics. She also enjoyed daily Wordle games, solving them faithfully alongside Doug and Lindsay and others who joined her Wordle ways.

Nancy loved the magic of many holidays and traditions and carried them on always. Many will remember the boxes of Christmas chocolates, hand-stitched Advent calendars, and birthday and anniversary cards that arrived unfailingly on time, letting us all know how loved and remembered we were. Those closest to her will also remember the tears that came easily when she said goodbye, her unguarded expression of love that was deeply characteristic of her, is cherished and will be missed.

Nancy endured the unimaginable loss of both her children. Even through their grief, she and Curt Oliver faithfully and beautifully continued their family's tradition of providing educational support through the Blair David Oliver & Lindsay Oliver Burgermeister Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will continue in Blair and Lindsay's honor.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Doug; his children Matt (Trisha); Melissa Norris Wilkins (Shawn); Clayton (Nicole), Tim (Katie), Jeff (Catherine) and grandchildren, Patrick, Jace, Amberlyn, Jordyn, Tristan, Marlee; her brother, Bill Rice of Houston; her niece, Beth Rice Stanley (Merrill), and Pidge, Erin, Reese, and Katherine of San Antonio. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ada and Clarence; her brother, Donnie; her son, Blair; her daughter, Lindsay; and her nephew, Patrick Rice.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the very close and very faithful friends and parishioners of Bath United Church of Christ, who provided daily care and support during the final nine months of her life. Doug and the family are deeply thankful for the kindness and constancy shown to Nancy until her last day.

A joint celebration of life with Doug is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 3:00pm, with visitation starting at 2:00pm at the Bath United Church of Christ (3980 W Bath Rd, Akron, OH 44333)