SKOWHEGAN -- Joan Viola Norton, 89, of Skowhegan, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her family and friends.She was born July 21, 1923, in Natick, Mass., the daughter of Richard T. Young and Velma A. (Otte) Young.
She graduated from Bath High School and later from St. Mary Nursing College in Lewiston with a degree in nursing. She also attended one year at Yale University for surgical nursing.
Joan married Nelson Norton, Feb. 4, 1948; he passed on Sept. 25, 1983.
Joan worked many years as a registered nurse at Redington -Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan.
She was a past member of the Somerset Samplers in Skowhegan. She enjoyed reading and quilting, and she loved spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her three children, Leah Tessier, of Skowhegan, Sherl Chouinard, of Skowhegan, and Joe Norton and his wife, Leigh, of Belgrade; four grandchildren, Tracey, Barrett, Corey and AJ; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; three children: Latchia Norton, Arlyce Jewell and Beth Norton; three brothers: Richard, George and Robert Young; and two grandchildren: Duncan Chouinard and Alex Jewell.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2012, at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church, Water Street, Skowhegan, with the Rev. John Mazzei officiating. A burial will be held in the spring at Calvary Cemetery in Skowhegan.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan.
Donations may be made in Joan's memory to Senior Spectrum Somerset Center, 30 Leavitt St. No. 1, Skowhegan, ME 04976.
