Published in the August 5, 2016 edition
WESTON — Marie L. (LaSpina) Norton of Weston, formerly of Melrose, died surrounded by her family on July 28 after a long illness.
Born on Dec. 6, 1930, in Medford she was the daughter of the late William and Rosalie (Scaletta) LaSpina of Malden. She graduated from Girls Catholic High School and went on to attend Mt. Auburn School of nursing where she became a Registered Nurse.
She was the beloved wife of 60 years of David A. Norton of Weston. She was the endearing mother of Mark Norton and his wife Beth Ann Strollo of Newton Center; Kenneth Norton and his wife Lauren Noether of Tilton, N.H.; Diane Norton and her husband Sandy Ellsworth of Camden, Maine, and the late Michelle Norton. She was the loving grandmother of Alyssa Norton of Franklin, N.H., and Christopher Norton of Newton Center. She was the dear sister of Margaret Aspesi and husband Peter of Woburn and John LaSpina and wife Lorraine of Malden. Predeceased by Horace and wife Gertrude of Malden, Joseph and wife Marcia of Malden, Rose and Louis of Hyde Park, Natale and wife Theresa of Stoneham, William and wife Doris (still alive) of Wakefield. Fond aunt of over two dozen nephews and nieces.
Marie was a life-long scholar, writer, poet and family facilitator. After her children were in school, Marie resumed her nursing career and achieved a bachelor of science in Nursing degree from Boston College. Later, she continued her educational pursuits, enrolled at Harvard Divinity School where she was awarded both a Master of Theological Studies Degree and later a Master of Divinity Degree.
As an active participant in Harvard Divinity School’s Theological Opportunities Program (TOP), she was involved in the integration of feminist theory and religion and spirituality. She was participant in the Theological Opportunities Program and authored a chapter in the book “The Sacred Dimensions of Women’s Experience,” edited by Elizabeth Dodson Gray. Marie focused her studies on Carl Jung and depth psychology and served as a Progoff Workshop Journal Consultant. She was also interested in eastern religion and psychology.
Marie loved the outdoors, special places included Camden, Maine, Squam Lake, N.H. and Massachusetts Audubon.
At Marie’s specific request, funeral services will be private.
A celebration of Marie’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie’s name to Parmenter Hospice, 10 Green Way, Wayland MA 01778 or the Massachusetts Audubon Society, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln MA 01773. Arrangements by Gately Funeral Home, Melrose. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
