Shirley deGrasse Norton

1930 - 2022

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP We are sad to announce the passing of Shirley deGrasse Norton, age 92, on Saturday, December 10, 2022 in Freehold, NJ. She and her husband, Nathaniel S. Norton celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in March. They lived for many years in Ewingville, and later in Pennington, NJ. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and educator. Born in Buffalo, NY she is the daughter of Lillian Herbst and Ernest Lange deGrasse. With her lifelong love of books, Shirley graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in Library Science, and served for many years as a Librarian on the Faculty at The Lawrenceville School, in Lawrenceville, NJ A gifted and prolific writer, Shirley devoted her retirement to memoir-writing. Her work is deep, thought-provoking and brings to life her many profound life-experiences and challenges. A life-long learner, Shirley participated in many Women Writers, as well as, Ira Progoff Intensive Journal Workshops. She was devoted to education, and taught memoir-writing classes at The Princeton YWCA, Mercer County Community College, The Ewing Seniors' Center, and Pennington Point. A number of her ongoing students went on to publish their work. She led her popular classes well into her eighties. Deeply spiritual, she was an Elder and active member of The First Presbyterian Church of Ewing and later The Pennington Presbyterian Church. Nat and Shirley were instrumental in creating the Pennington Church Remembrance Garden, where friends and family can gather to honor their loved-ones, hold services and scatter ashes. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Nathaniel S. Norton, their daughters, Lynn Poinier of Asbury Park, NJ, and Camie Norton Otis and her husband, Rob of Annapolis, MD; grand-daughters Jackie Viramontez and her husband Jake of Graton, CA, and Lauren Poinier Martin and her husband Charles of Plymouth, MN; and her great-grandsons, Beau and Miles Martin, and Parker Viramontez. She was predeceased by her grandson, Miles Poinier. A celebration of life will be planned for later in the year. Condolences may be offered to Nathaniel Norton at 2504 Applewood Drive, Freehold, NJ 07728. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Pennington Presbyterian Church Remembrance Garden, 13 S. Main St., Pennington, NJ 08534. Arrangements are by the Wilson-Apple Funeral Home, Pennington. Condolences are welcome at www.wilsonapple.com. Wilson Apple Funeral Home 2560 Pennington Rd. Pennington, NJ 08534 (609) 737-1498