Helen Miriam Norton

Helen Miriam Norton, 84, of Cheyenne died June 7th at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. She was born March 23, 1935 in Augusta, Maine to Joseph and Miriam Harwood.
Helen’s greatest enjoyment in life came from her children & grandchildren and fun times at Swan Lake, Maine. She is survived by five daughters, Susan Schissler, Bonnie (Bud) Spillman, Jean (Michael) Baker, Robin (Bob) Walsh and Kathleen Norton. Seven grandchildren; Rebecca Smith, Shannon (Andy Baker) Schissler, Philip (Stephanie) Schissler, Benjamin (Jade) Spillman, Sean Walsh, Joseph Baker and Kasey Helen Walsh. Fourteen great-grandchildren; Miriam, Leona, Emmeline, Ophelia, Kaitlynn, Matthew, King, Colton, Hayden, Ryleigh, Eirnan, Kaylee, Reagan, and Teagan. She is also survived by her brothers Julian (Lillian), Robert (Dorothy) and sister-in-law Pauline.
And last, but certainly not least, her chihuahua Duke. A finer companion could not be had and they shared an incredible bond. Duke loved her cooking (chicken being a favorite), belly rubs, riding in his car seat and afternoon naps (soft blanket required).
After graduating Cony High School in Augusta, Helen met her forever partner, Warren, in 1955 at McGuire Air Force Base NJ where they both served. Helen and Warren raised their daughters in a wonderful neighborhood on Oxford Rd in Colonia, NJ. Helen and Warren enjoyed their retirement years; 10 years living on Swan Lake, Maine; 7 years in Southampton, NJ and finally to Cheyenne in 2003.
During retirement, they shared a love of travelling the US, her love of road trips never waned. Helen developed and nurtured lifelong friendships and she was a true friend. She loved to read, write letters & post cards, listen to patriotic & choir music, watch Olympic sports and cheer on the TN Lady Volunteers basketball & the OK Sooner softball teams.
Helen received the National Defense Service Medal for her service during the Korean War. She was a Girl Scout leader for 30 years and received their highest honor, the Thanks badge. In 1972, Helen led her troop on a cross country trip from NJ to UT. Helen received the Colonia, NJ VFW Auxiliary outstanding citizen award and was also a hospice and nursing home volunteer in several NJ communities.
Helen was a cherished wife, wonderful Mom and the ultimate Nanny to her family. We would like to recognize our Mom’s strength and determination which were off the charts. While cherishing our memories, we will miss her immensely.
In 2013, after 57 years of marriage, Warren preceded Helen in death. She was also preceded in death by brothers Ronald (Nell) & Jon.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services and interment will be at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ at 11:00AM on June 28, 2019. A memorial celebration of life will be held in NJ on June 29, 2019. In lieu of flowers, Helen expressed her wishes for donations to Cheyenne’s Friday Food Bag Foundation ( http://cheyenneffbag.org ) or the VFW Post 6061 Auxiliary (606 Inman Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067).