Published in the December 9, 2016 edition
PEABODY — Norma R. (Duncan) Billington, 94, a resident of Brooksby Village in Peabody, and formerly a long time resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.
Norma was born in Everett on Aug. 13, 1922 and was one of three children of the late Stuart and Frances (Marston) Duncan. Raised and educated in Everett, she received training to be a Registered Nurse from Melrose-Wakefield Hospital School of Nursing. Graduating near the end of World War II, Norma enlisted into the United States Navy to be a military nurse. She began her enlistment in 1944 and was one of the first women to be commissioned as a junior officer, receiving the rank of Lieutenant, Junior Grade. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1946, she returned to her schooling, receiving her bachelor’s degree from Simmons College in 1950. In February of 1951, Norma Duncan and Thomas E. Billington were married and were soon blessed with four children.
Following the unfortunate passing of Mr. Billington, Norma found work locally as a registered nurse and began the task of raising her family on her own. She served as the director of nursing at a nursing home in Stoneham, later as the director of Melrose Visiting Nurses and finally as an RN at the Davenport House in Malden.
In her free time, Norma was an exceptional artist who had a talent for painting, drawing and illustrating. She had a lifelong love for the Boston Pops and was an excellent seamstress.
A strong, resilient woman, Norma lived independently throughout her 94 years. As she said, “she did what she had to do” and lived in service to others. Above all else, her main concern of taking care of her family. She will be missed and always lovingly remembered.
Norma was the beloved wife of the late Thomas E. Billington, with whom she shared 15 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Scott T. Billington and his wife Johnette R. Downing of New Orleans; Jeffrey S. Billington of Kenduskeag, Maine; Gregory D. Billington of Rowley and Martha J. Billington of Saugus. She was the cherished grandmother of Meredith R. Ragucci and her husband John of Saugus. She was the dear sister of the late Elisabeth Smith and Richard Duncan.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Norma’s life at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose for her Funeral Service celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Interment took place in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
For directions or online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
