Norma Norris Sheehan

September 25, 1932 – July 18, 2024

"I have lived a full life"

Norma passed away suddenly and peacefully in her home on Dodds Court in Burlington, Vermont. She was 91 years young. Norma leaves behind a legacy of love and family.

Born in Coventry, Vermont, Norma was the daughter of Kenneth and Helen (Buck) Norris, the fifth child in a family of 15 children. Norma lived most of her life in Vermont, crisscrossing the state from Coventry, Ludlow, Amsden, Bristol, Hinesburg, Starksboro, Shoreham, Woodstock and Burlington.

Graduating from Bristol High School in 1950. Norma was married briefly to Bob Fuller of Bristol and had one child, Susan J. Fuller (David Hill). She later met the love of her life (the handsome, fun and never boring) Donald Sheehan from Burlington, VT, when he was working at his uncle's cheese factory in Hinesburg. Don worshiped Norma from the start and thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They were married in Connecticut when Don was in the Service. Together they had 5 more children; Joni Sheehan Jones, Kathy H. Sheehan, John C. Sheehan (Sheri), Andrew K. Sheehan and James W. Sheehan.

Always a conscientious worker and dedicated to her jobs, she retired at 78! Norma held a number of administrative jobs where she created lifelong relationships: The University of VT, Dartmouth College, Windsor County Court, Trinity College, and West ED.

Little known and fun facts of Norma's life:

When she was young and on the farm, she loved to ride a horse like a wild child (she stopped riding when she was 20 and thought she had to be a responsible mother).

She couldn't ride a bicycle.

She was afraid of the water and didn't learn to swim until she was in her 30's.

She was a summer worker at MT Philo Girls camp, cleaning toilets, peeling potatoes and riding horses.

She worked as an apple picker (for peanuts,10 cents a bushel).

She was a nurse's aide at Mary Fletcher Hospital (back in the day).

She was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray in NYC (she loved to dance).

She didn't get a driver's license until she was 36!

Norma loved traveling, and always looked forward to her family trips to Maine where she could hunt for sea glass and watch the lobster boats picking up traps. She cherished family. Family was more than just family to Norma, they were her friends as well. Social Media allowed her to stay in touch with so many of them. We are proud of her for being so tech savvy! Who would suspect?

We all know that Norma's friends became her family too. She thoroughly enjoyed her book group, doll making classes, organ lessons and lunches with her West-Ed friends.

Norma's greatest loves were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she affectionately called them the" littles" (until they got too big and complained). Most recently she stated that they were the next generation that would take over her legacy. If only we could! Norma is survived by her six children: Susan, Joni, Kathy, Jack, Andy and Jim, 9 grandchildren: Morgan, Steven, Kevin, Elizabeth, Lucas, Tyler, Eliza, Myriah, and Kyle. And 18 Great-grandchildren.

Norma is predeceased by her husband, Donald O. Sheehan and her siblings: Kenneth Norris Jr, Winston Norris, Malhon Norris, Vernice Norris, Glenn Norris, Robert Norris, Richard Norris.

She is survived by her siblings: Anita Norris Oberle (Ed), Jack Norris (Maureen), Jean Norris Konstantino, Dixie Norris Bassett, Gary Norris, (Kay), Peter Norris (Deloras), and Terry Norris (Diane) and so many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Norma was a remarkable lady always forging ahead with love and compassion. She will always be remembered for her photographic memory which allowed her to tell the best stories with vivid details, her positive view on life and finding humor in everything.

We want to give a special thanks to Kathy "Kitty" Sheehan for the loving care she gave her mom in the past few years. They admitted they were an odd couple but the arrangement suited them and allowed Norma to stay and live in the little house she loved.

Norma will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday August 18, at 11:00am at the Temple Sinai, 500 Swift Street in South Burlington. All are welcome, please bring a story to share.