My inspiration: Norma Norton, 1929 - 2009
One of the most common questions I hear from people I meet who know about our work at the Case Foundation is, "why did you and Steve create the Foundation, and why have you chosen to make this your life's work?" The answer I quickly offer is that we have a faith and a belief that to whom much is given, much is expected. But it turns out that is only the quick, polite answer I use in passing. And it is only part of the story. The real answer is much deeper and layered and goes to the heart of who and what inspired us and modeled a life of giving back.
Which brings me to the reason for this posting today. My mother, Norma Norton, passed away on Saturday. She was a truly remarkable person. She was my inspiration in life. Born of German immigrant parents in Chicago in 1929, she faced many challenges in life yet she never let them defeat her. No one looking at my Mom's early life would have put her in the "to whom much is given" category. Indeed, she was a single Mom who worked hard as a waitress most of her life to ensure that everyday, basic needs were met for the four children she was raising on her own. Despite the challenges of our circumstances, my Mom was one of the happiest, fun-loving people I have ever known. She simply loved people and they loved her. We used to joke in our family that our house had a star in the window (it didn't) to signal a safe haven for those in need, because although we barely had enough to make ends meet for our own family, Mom was always offering a helping hand to others - a kind word, a joke or a listening ear. Ours was a house where there was always a big, delicious meal and plenty of extra seats for those who would stop in, stop by and for those who sometimes came and stayed. Being in the presence of my Mom just made people feel good.
My Mom was the "real deal" as they say. People often said, "you always know where you stand with Norma." Her heart was right there on her sleeve for all to see and I know that there are hundreds of people today who would tell the story of being deeply touched by my Mom's countless acts of love, compassion and understanding, or being stopped in their tracks with Mom's quick wit or comeback. Over the last year as my Mom's illness caused even more frequent hospital stays, it wasn't uncommon to receive a call or a visit from the cashier at the local grocery store, or her plumber or the man who cut her lawn. To these people, she wasn't simply a customer, she was a friend. Many told stories of how she shared a genuine and rare interest and concern for them and their stories, or how she offered a helping hand to them in their time of need. My Mom's battle with her heart and lung diseases lasted over 9 years and in that time, many of the nurses that crossed her path went on to become "regulars" in her life -- calling or emailing just to say hello or to share a story -- staying in touch with a woman who touched them in a special way. In the end, when it became clear she was not going to pull through, her doctors shared with us the loss they would feel knowing my Mom wouldn't be a regular "bright spot" in their routines. Each one said they would smile when they saw her name on their daily schedule.
I left Florida for Washington DC in 1982, yet it was as though no distance separated me from my Mom through the years. We traveled together often, we spoke almost daily and she was at the center of the lives of my children. Indeed, when she came to town she would offer to run errands with me or for me and I was always impressed with the local friends here she collected along the way. I'd run into my regular dry cleaning establishment only to have the owner come out to give her a hug and talk about how he'd missed her while she was gone. Or the butcher say, "we have a good looking pork loin today that I put aside for you, Norma." And this wasn't even her town.
I have clear recollections of the financial struggles she faced in trying to make it all work out. Grocery shopping was a daily event and totally reliant on the previous nights' tips my Mom received as a waitress. My own private school education was only made possible because my Mom threw herself into the situation, insisting I would be worthy of a generous scholarship, which was provided to me. Mom's work ethic, and her remarkable ability to tackle more things in one day than most people could accomplish in a week, is another gift she left behind. Anyone else in her situation would have grown weary, but my Mom was the Energizer Bunny -- I never saw her complain that something was "too much" and she poured herself into raising children, working hard and finding a way to be there for others, always.
Mom was very patriotic and lived by the rule that "freedom isn't free." For her birthday several years ago, she requested a flag for her front yard. She made it clear she wanted a standing 20 foot flag pole, centered directly in the middle of the circular drive of her somewhat modest house. She flew flags that were flown over Pearl Harbor and she was always careful to honor all flag-related protocol. She told me more than once it was the best birthday present she ever received. I think she never missed an opportunity to vote when she could. She had a "God Bless America" bumper sticker for years and email signature that said the same. She loved being an American and she celebrated as her children and grandchildren lived out the American dream.
I realize that my Mom's own graciousness and spirit of generosity played such an important role in preparing me for my own adult life which has been filled with blessings and privileges. She would have never used the word "volunteer" or "service" to describe the process of working hard to help others. I remember the first time I talked to her about our "philanthropy" and she didn't know the word, yet when she accompanied me to the opening of a Habitat for Humanity home for a single mom and her five children, she came to understand philanthropy in a very personal way. To her, giving was a highly personal thing. By her definition, it should come from the heart.
The business of running a Foundation can become a highly depersonalized thing if you let it. It's easy to forget the stories, the faces and the personal circumstances as we get caught up in programs and initiatives. But the truth is everything we do at the Case Foundation is really about people. Our guiding philosophy -- "citizens at the center" -- reminds us that civic engagement efforts, online giving initiatives and our core strategic initiatives around clean water, brain cancer and interfaith dialogue are really efforts to touch lives, build bridges and offer opportunities for those who are in need.
The Case Foundation was born out of the vision and the hope that my husband Steve had to use our resources to try to make a better world. Much like me, his parents were a big part of his own inspiration. But on this occasion as we honor the life of my Mom, we thank her for modeling countless acts of love and compassion toward others not through a title or established entity, but in the everyday living that touched lives and lit a path for us to follow. Her mark on this world now lives on through the work of the Case Foundation.
It takes a very special
It takes a very special person to be a waitress and support your children on the pay..to do so you have to be a shining star in every customer's day..sounds like your mom was just that kind of a person (I should know I've been a server/bartender for 17 years!!)
- Crystal Warren 4 May 10, 17:50Norma was a special person in
Norma was a special person in my life growing up. she was one of the nicest and most caring people i know. i have known norma for over 30 yrs. when i was younger she would give me and my brother chours to do around her house to earn some extra money. then as we grew up she was always there to help us out with some good laughs,from the bottom of my heart , i will will miss her very much.
Her next door neighbor from pompano
Russell Hubartt
Your Inspiration
Dear Jean,
Your June blog post was such a gorgeous tribute to your mother. I am so sorry for your loss but so glad that the gifted and talented Norma Norton lived a long, productive HAPPY life.
I'm sure she's made loads of friends in Heaven and sends daily blessings to you and yours.
Fondly,
Judy Tashbook
Very Inspirational!
Thank you for posting this about your mother. It is great to read a story that illuminates the spirit of your entire family, and your journey that has brought you to where you are now. What a great tribute to your mom. Many blessings.
- Kaleem Caire 25 Aug 09, 16:11Norma, my Aunt Jeanne's best friend
Dear Jean,
What a wonderful tribute for a wonderful lady. When my aunt ,Jeanne Bowman called me and told me the news, Ray and I were heartbroken. We had just spent Mother's Day at your mom's having dinner. Everytime Aunt Jeanne was there, we drove over from Sarasota to see her, and Norma being the person she is, always wanted to feed us. I have known her since 1989 and will never forget her. Her sense of humor, her frankness, and loving and generous personality is hard to match. I unfortunately, never have met you or your family, but I feel like I know you. Norma has told me numerous stories and shown us pictures and articles. You have always been so wonderful to my Aunt Jeanne and to my cousin Jimmy, that I will be eternally grateful. Aunt Jeanne is like my mother. I know she is going to miss Norma deeply. They had the best times together. My condolences to you and your family
Kyla Underwood 5 July 09
Beautiful tribute to your momHi
Jean- what a beautiful tribute to your mom. I hope you don't mind if I share this with some of the non-profit blogs I work with. I just lost my dad, a man of the same kind of heart.
Thanks for this. It reminds us all why we need to help others and not consider it volunteering or a burden. Your mom may not have been given much materially, but it sounds like she was given a heart of gold, and an indomitable spirit.
- mary beth sammons 2 Jul 09, 19:38Norma Norton
Norma has always been in my heart. She was my mom's best friend and if you ever wanted a best friend, it would only be Norma. My mother loved her like a sister and when my mom passed, it was Norma who filled us with stories and laughter of things they did together on a daily basis - i am very sorry that Norma passed without me being able to say goodbye but she will be in my heart forever.
My sincere sympathy to you, Judy, Jack, Jim and the grandchildren and great grandchildren, the family who loved her so much and i know you will celebrate her life always.
Love Shari
- Shari Kasen 2 Jul 09, 10:16I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
I LOVED NORMA NORTON VERY MUCH
I ALWAYS WISH THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT
BUT WHATEVER TIME SHE ALLOWED ME IN HER LIFE IT
WAS ALWAYS ALL OF HER,,,I LOVED & TRUSTED HER WITH EVERYTHING, I GREW UP WITH HER AND SHE WAS ALOT LIKE MY MOM, SHE WAS THERE FOR ME,,I MISS HER & I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU NORMA , ALWAYS
Norma Norton
Dear Jean,
Thank you for sharing such a warm and clear message about your Mom. Having lost my mother on April 1 this year (and cherishing my own beloved wife Norma), your words and history resonate on so many levels. I wipe a tear away in reading your Mom's stories of love, laughter, and food. I sure miss my Mom every day, but appreciate you reminding all of us what matters and how much positive influences great human beings like Norma have on our wonderful country. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best,
Russ Ramsey
- Russ Ramsey 1 Jul 09, 7:07Norma's Legacy
To Jeanie, Judy, Jack and Jim, also all of the grandchildren and others in the family, my sincerest sympathy.
I will always cherish the many years of friendship I had with Norma. From the time you all moved next door to us on 23rd. Terr., in Pompano, I always considered her my BEST friend. We shared our daily trials and tribulations with each other. She seemed to know my troubles even before we discussed them. She was one of the hardest workers I have ever known, and it was a determination she possessed to give her children the very best that she could and she succeeded in doing just that. Each of you were special to her and she was always there to discuss your problems, solve them turn to the next page, what ever it might be. She always had a great meal on the table and a place for whom ever was around at meal time. I remember almost every morning, after you kids were off to school she would call me and tell me to come over and eat with her and we would discuss our daily problems. Yes, she was the "Real Thing" and nothing was ever too hard a task for her to tackle. I remember being saddened when I sold her a house and you all weren't next door anymore. After I moved to Hillsboro Shores then Boca Towers, and she was coming to Va., I lost touch with her in our coming and going.
I missed seeing her (and the rest of the family) and hearing about everything going on and being able to tell her all of my problems, so much, but never forgot the good times we had together and being with all of you on holidays and other times.
I could write a book on both of our lives and I am sure it would be a "best seller".. I remember how proud of each of your successes, especially you Jeanie, even though each of you
had your special talents and she loved each of you the same..
I guess that just comes with being a Mother. The trials she had with her sister, taking care of Mr. and Mrs. Baumgarten, and everything else, she always found a way to solve it all.
It was necessary for me to move to Texas in Nov. 1999 to take custody of my grandson "Tyler", Pamela's son, and have been here since then. He was in the 3rd. grade at the time, and is now in Austin College, Sherman, TX. He excelled all the way through school, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Natl.Reg. in Washington, Natl.Honor Society, Mr. Paschal, (his HS), top 2%
of graduation class w/500 students. He is a wonderful Christian young man, spends his life always helping someone. His college is one of the highest in academics in the country and he got a full scholarship there. Since I had to
give up R/E not being licensed in TX and taking care of him, I would not have been able to send him to College.
I would love to hear from you all, so much and have tried to find
Norma, periodically for the last several years as her phone number that I had, was disconnected and I tried to pull her up on the "people finder" and never able to do so. I wish so much that I could have talked with her daily on email or by phone as I have free long distance.
Norma was one of the most precious friends that anyone could ever have, the most giving, thoughtful, truthful persons I have ever known, and in my heart will miss her so much. You will not believe how often I thought about her and her wonderful friendship and it saddens me so much that she is gone.
Jeanie, how wonderful of you and your husband, Steve, to set up this foundation in honor of your Mother. Since there are no
problems in Heaven, she will have an eternal rest, with no more sickness.
I love you all,
Jaunice Brantley
Norma
Jean,
I was sad to see that your mom had passed. I read the obituaries and I told my wife that there was a time in my life that your mom was like a mom to me. I was thankful that she let me live with all of you twice. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Jim Kirk
Downs, Illinois
Norma, a women truely respected
Jean, I'm truly sorry for your families loss. What a great person Norma was. I was one of those whom she took under her wing and she taught me good work ethic and how great life could be. Reminsing about the early days brings a very big smile to my face. I will never forget Norma or your family. God Bless and good luck to all.
Gary Biddle-Normal, IL
- Gary Biddle 29 Jun 09, 21:50Remembering Norma
Jean, I'm so glad you made this site known so we could contact the family. When I read your Inspiration of your mother, I could just see her in my memory, when you kids were young, working so hard to support her children, coming home so tired after working long hours and she was always so happy. I think of your family often, we had lots of good times together back in IL. I would appreciate it if you could forward your sister and brothers information to me so I can contact them also. I called Gary Biddle the other night when I first read the obituary to see if he had contact info for you all and enjoyed reminising about you all.
I feel very fortunate for having seen Norma, you and your sister back when her sister passed a few years ago and was so happy to see you all. Your mother was a wonderful woman and I'm sure she will be terribly missed. You have so much to be grateful for, she was one of the strongest women I knew.
I have you all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Becky "Potts" Blum - Normal, IL
- Becky "Potts" Blum 27 Jun 09, 21:00YOUR MOMAND MY DEAR FRIEND
Your mom was the real deal ,you always knew where you stood with her.
I will miss talking to her she was always there when I needed to talk about family .Gave good advice even when she was right.
We had lots of good times over the many years.
I remember when she packed her car and all you kids and left Bloomington.I missed her then and will miss her now.
Your MOM was very proud of each and every one of her children.
MOM was always a wonderful friend to me
God bless you
Sandy Rongey&
Chuck
MY Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family
Dear Jean,
I just found out from today's paper that your mom passed. I offer you and your family my condolences and prayers. It was a privilege for me to be part of your mom's life even for a brief few hours, last Friday at the hospital. I pray for strength and peace for you and your family.
Only today, when I read about the Case Foundation that I knew the person I shook hand with last Friday was the famous Steve Case, your husband. During AOL's hay days, I used to see his picture on magazine covers and business sections of papers. Thank you for doing what you do. Take care and if we can help you in any way from Vtias, please contact me.
- Chaplain Paul Veliyathil/VITAS HOSPICE 27 Jun 09, 10:48Norma
She was a fine and precious woman. I will miss her smile & her words of encouragement, she always had for me about my son. Heaven has a new angel!
God bless all of you, the family; she loved you all so much & was so proud of & for you.
Norma
I was shocked and sad to see Norma's picture and obituary in todays paper,
She was a good neighbor and a Friend for 17 years, while I lived across the street from her.
My condolences to you and your Family.
Debbie
Cool post
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your site and wanted to say
that I've really liked browsing your blog posts. Any way
I'll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!
Your Mom
Jean I wanted to send my condolences about the loss of your Mom. She sounded like a great lady and one of those people you wish you had gotten to know.
Phil
- Phil Gross 23 Jun 09, 22:18Love, laughter and friendship
Jean, I'm sosorry for your loss. I share a similiar bond with my mother, of love, laughter and friendship. Thank you for sharing your mother's story with all of us. It is truly inspiring. Her spirit lives on through all the great work that you and Steve are involved with. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
- Sara Shroff 23 Jun 09, 21:51Legacy
Thank you for sharing part of your Mom's story - her example and expression of philanthropy. It's so clear that giving was part of who she was, natural to her person and in spite of challenges she faced. What an amazing challenge to us all!
We continue to keep all of the family and friends in our prayers.
- Louise Storm 23 Jun 09, 18:28Norma Norton
What a lovely tribute to your Mom. She was a very special person who never met a stranger. Tommy and I will miss her, she has held a special spot in our hearts since the first time we met. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,, Jack, Jim and Judy and all of the grandchildren.
- Julie Bailey 23 Jun 09, 16:36Love, generosity and sacrifice
Jean, I'm very sorry for your loss. Thank you for an inspiring story of love and sacrifice, of the real work that goes into shaping lives. I'm particularly taken with the combination of economic struggle and generosity in your mother's life - it's emblematic, in a lot of ways, of older generations of Americans and I know you're working to encourage that same spirit in our young and newly-active generation. Thanks for sharing this and our thoughts are with you.
- Tom Watson 23 Jun 09, 15:15No handkerchief can wipe away the tears
I know the good Lord has a special place for her in heaven,so let us celebrate her life for the exemplary life she led.May her soul rest in eternal peace. "Damirafa duae,damirfa duae ne amani hunu"
- Ama Pomaa Boateng 23 Jun 09, 13:57Norma Norton
I am very happy to have had a chance to know her. She was the real deal, and I enjoyed every encounter, email and conversation I had with her - especially the emails in her trademark CAPS. : ) She was a straight shooter - but kind and funny.
She is in heaven now, as she well deserves, but I'll bet she enjoyed every minute on earth. My sympathy to all her family and friends - Shannon
What a wonderful remembrance
What a wonderful remembrance of your mother. I lost my mother at a similar age and have a little feeling of what you are going through. All the best to you and your family as you deal with her passing.
- Frank Raines 23 Jun 09, 11:21Your Mom
Jean, this was a heartfelt tribute to a beautiful woman who clearly was a guiding light for you. As I have been priviledged to work with you, I see so much of your Mom in you. Go forth and know that each and every day she will be with you as you continue to touch and change so many peoples lives.
Please know that as your heart is surely heavy, you have so many who keep you in their prayers.
With love and condolences,
Toni
A beautiful tribute
Your mother sounded like a wonderful person and the world will be a lesser place without her, my heart is with you on this terrible loss...
Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep
I have no pain no troubled thoughts, for I am just asleep
The living thinking me that was, is now forever still
And life goes on without me now, as time forever will.
If your heart is heavy now, because I've gone away
Dwell not long upon it friend, For none of us can stay
Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me, I thank you most of all.
And in my fleeting lifespan, as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate, to laugh, to love, to cry
Matters it now if time began, If time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.
Norma Norton, 1929-2009
Norma Marian Norton, loving mother and loyal, fun-loving friend to a countless array of people from all walks of life, died at the age of 79 on Saturday, June 20, at the Imperial Point Medical Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, after a valiant 9 year battle with heart and lung diseases.
Born Norma Marian Baumgarten in Chicago, Illinois, in 1929, she was the eldest daughter of Anna and Earnest Baumgarten. She settled in Normal, Illinois from 1959 until 1971, when she moved the family to Pompano Beach, Florida. She resided in Pompano Beach until her death.
She is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many close friends and loved ones all around the world. Her four children – sons Jack and Jim Norton of Ft. Lauderdale, and daughters Judy Noble of Pompano Beach and Jean Case of McLean, Virginia, were all with her in her last days, honoring and celebrating her extraordinary life.
Memorial services will be held in Pompano Beach and Washington DC in July.
In lieu of flowers, and in acknowledgement of Norma’s affinity for animals, especially endangered manatees, the family has asked that memorial gifts be designated to http://www.SavetheManatee.org or http://humanebroward.com
- Steve Case 23 Jun 09, 10:33My mother in law
Jean's tribute to her mom was so touching. Norma really was a remarkable woman. And needless to say, she was extremely proud of Jean's many accomplishments. It is great that her memory will live on through Jean's work. You couldn't have asked for a more supportive mother - or mother in law.
- Steve Case 23 Jun 09, 10:17
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