Farewell to Mary Norton

If ever there was a truth to the song, “The Wind Beneath My Wings” it must be applied to 84-year-old Mary, who had been the life-long support of Noel, her husband of 58 years, to the extent that he had to be hospitalised the day after her passing.

What had started as a hobby for the Nortons, became a full time career. Rain or shine, Carnival, weddings or as official photographers for many visiting and local dignitaries, the very quiet and dignified woman was always on spot, either holding cameras, a tripod, or pieces of equipment. This gentle woman’s twinkling eyes may not have been the ones behind the camera lens but she was the face and voice of Norton photographers, and was an expert in the field of photography.

The Nortons had six children, Helen, Christine, Jeffrey, Elizabeth, Marie Louise and Christopher, and eight grandchildren.

As teenagers, Mary Niles was “the girl next door” to Noel Norton in Cascade. Before the romance could really blossom, Noel went off to Canada to be trained, and then to England to join the Royal Air Force where he flew in World War II. By this time Mary became a teacher at Holy Name Convent and corresponded with the man who was to become her husband.

Mary and Noel Norton was one of the happiest couples I ever interviewed when they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in July 2003. When they went into full retirement on May 31, 2004, she was sure “the time has come when Noel and myself must hand over the reins to the younger generation.”

The Nortons handed over their equipment, services and clientele to 3GA’s Imaging, a company made up of their long standing staff with whom their customers were already familiar.

Two years ago, I wrote into Newsday seeking support for a fundraising “Dinner For Mary” organised by her family to defray medical expenses. She was desperately ill. Three weeks later, unable to walk, stand or speak, this indomitable woman, still hospitalised at West Shore Medical, sent me a copy of her very specially written “thank you” asking that I pass it on to those who helped to make the fundraiser a great success.

She wrote, “Dear family, friends, well wishers and contributors. I could not let this moment pass without recording the eye-opener – the power to feel the love and warmth, unity of spirit and prayers which have been so generously given.

“I would have loved to join you, but as you must know I cannot walk, stand or speak at the moment. Hopefully this is a temporary position and with prayers and therapy I will improve. This generosity has been so overwhelming that I am lost for words.

“Once again, from my children, husband and siblings – again dear friends thank you for your memories, respect and love. God Bless You Always. Mary Norton”

I added, “We in the media will always have a special place in our hearts for Mary Norton, who when covering any event, from Carnival to visiting dignitaries, was always willing to help us in whatever way she could, as she managed Norton’s photographers.”

I will share excerpts of a “Thank You” letter from this gracious woman.

“My dear Angela, Thanks so much for your well-researched and interesting article outlining my career.

This came at a time when I was almost ready to give up fighting because the nature of my illness indicated it would take a long time to get back to normalcy, but your article did it. It was the best medicine that anyone could have given me, and so it went a long way towards improving my state of mind.

“You spoke about my association with Noel and his work, being always on the spot to assist him etc, but the part which pleased me most was where you hinted at the good working relationship I had with the press.

I tell you Angela, it was the first and only time since I am ill that I broke down and really cried, but they were tears of joy because you gave the impression that I had done this all for the good of TT and now it was their turn to assist me.”