Alice Lawton's Memorial Mass Video

Alice Jane Lawton passed away at home, surrounded by loving family, on February 12, 2023. In her 93 years on the planet she touched so many lives, in so many ways; it is hard to recount them all.

Alice was born to Lucille and Cyril Martin in Royalton Wisconsin on January 3, 1930. An only child, she always wanted a big family. This wish was fulfilled when she married Gerald Norby in 1949 and gave birth to eight children whom she raised with wisdom, joy, and lots of music. But her large family included so many more. She was a foster mom to several children, and a second mom to many, many others.

Alice started working as a nurse's aide at the age of fourteen. This set the path for much of her life, as she continued to help shepherd babies into this world and later, as a nurse, lovingly tended many on their way to the next.

After many years as a nurse, Alice launched a second career as a realtor. She especially enjoyed helping young families find just the right home.

Alice's husband Gerald passed away in 1991. In 1996, Alice married James Lawton, and enjoyed a loving, adventurous, and sweet life with him to the end of her life. In marrying Jim, she also added four step children to her family. She loved them all dearly.

Over the years, Alice's family continued to grow with sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Each one of them held a special place in her heart.

Alice is survived by her husband, James, her sons Richard (Roberta) Norby, Mark (Kat') Norby, Joseph (Juli) Norby and John Norby, and her daughters Marguerite Norby, Mary Behm (Norby), Connie Norby (Scott Beckman), and Kathleen Norby (Joe Luther) and step children Nancy (Craig) Lawton-Shirley, Michael (Tara) Lawton, Mark (Sue Schmid) Lawton and Paul Lawton. Special family members include Tom Tompkins and Susie Lynch.

She is also survived by 45 grandchildren and 62 great grandchildren. All of these, along with so many nieces, nephews and dear friends will always remember her kind words, sound advice, and strong, tender heart. She will be deeply missed.

We give special thanks to all who helped care for Alice in her last years, and especially those who cared for her in her final days. We thank her granddaughter Johanna for holding her hand as she passed into her next life.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband Gerald Norby, her son-in-law Richard Behm, her granddaughter Anna Stack, and her grandson-in-law Jon Robbins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Precious Blood Church in New London, WI on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating.  The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the mass.  Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Town of Lebanon at a later date.

An Irish Celebration of Alice's life will be held at Crystal Falls in New London, WI on Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., with a special time to share stories at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital .