Zoom broadcast of the funeral : https://zoom.us/j/ Meeting ID: 96832423104
Our talented, artistic, spunky, always showing love for everyone, health nut, and faithful mother, Daisy Emeline Bigelow Norton passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023, in Gilbert, Arizona at the age of 97.
Daisy was born in Jerome, Arizona on July 16, 1925, to Parley LeRoy Bigelow and Esther Grace Ray. She was the fifth of twelve children and grew up in the Verde Valley, Cottonwood, Mesa, and Eagar areas.
At the age of 16 Daisy met and fell in love with Silas Elbert Norton and they were married on March 24, 1942, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They lived in Fort Huachuca while he worked for the Army until he was drafted to fight overseas in WWII. During this time Daisy had two sons, Silas Parley Norton and Rush Bigelow Norton. At the age of 19 Daisy was left a widow when Silas was killed in France on January 15, 1945. Through much trial and heartache, she learned to endure and enjoy life, happy with the simple things.
On September 12, 1952, Daisy married Lawrence Norton who was Silas’s uncle. He was a widower with three daughters, Theresa, Mary and Yvonne. Combining their family of five was an adventure for sure and they added to the fun by adopting three more children; Steven, Jamie and Joye. They lived in Eagar until 1976 when they moved to Mesa, Az.
Daisy loved to draw and was an exceptional artist in many media: including oil, water, pastel painting, china painting, sculpting, and doll making. Her family and friends have been honored to own her various works as she was very giving with her talents.
Daisy was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous callings throughout her life. In her later years she enjoyed indexing, doing temple work, and family history.
In Eagar, she taught Kindergarten and 8th Grade Art. After she moved to Mesa Daisy worked for Loveall Plumbing as a secretary and as a caregiver for elderly people. It was during this time at age 54, she “got busy” and took her GED test and received her certificate of graduation. Later on, she worked for her nephew Lynn Bigelow painting animals that she sculpted, and he cast.
After Lawrence passed, Daisy continued with her art until she was past 95 years old. She loved to read, do word search puzzles, read, crochet “cuddle blankets” for her friends and family, and did we mention she liked to read! Many times, she would read far into the night. But most importantly she loved her family and her friends. Spending time with them was her delight as well as theirs.
Daisy is preceded in death by her parents, husbands Silas Norton and Lawrence Norton, her brothers Edwin, Gilbert, Lynn, Simeon, Vernon, Wade and Larry her sisters Violet, Iris, and Calla Lilly. Also, her son Silas Parley Norton, daughters Theresa Goin and Yvonne Bigelow.
She is survived by her children Rush (Nancy) Norton, Mary Jepson, Steven Norton, Joye Norton (Larry Velasquez) all of Mesa, James (Sheri) Norton of San Tan Valley and one brother, Delmar (Sabina) Bigelow of Sandy, Utah. Her posterity includes 8 children, 36 grandchildren, 129 Great grandchildren, 99 great-great grandchildren and 1 great-great-great grandchild.
Daisy’s funeral will be held on March 31, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 3920 E. Brown Road in Mesa. Interment will be held at the Eagar, Arizona Cemetery Saturday April 1, 2023 at 11 a.m.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I remember the love and kindness shown to me by Mom, as she became the 2nd Mom to me. She was talented in so many ways. I have a recipe book that she did the artwork in. Love to the family!💕
Your mother is one of the dearest, kindest women I know, and one of my favorites of my mom’s Eagar lady friends. She lived life to the fullest, and made the world a better place, just by being here.
Daisy became one of my favorite people from the moment I met her and she always will be. She is one of the most Christlike people I’ve ever met, and though I didn’t get to spend time with her in these past several years, her influence is ever present in my life. I often ask myself, “What would Daisy do?”
She’s a woman who demonstrated humility and grace in every situation. She completely lacked guile and was quick to love those around her. On March 20th, this world lost an Angel and Heaven gained one. I have no doubt that she’ll be a fierce guardian angel to those she loves and her love and presence will ever be felt by those who love her.
Daisy became one of my favorite people from the moment I met her and she always will be. She is one of the most Christlike people I’ve ever met, and though I didn’t get to spend time with her in these past several years, her influence is ever present in my life. I often ask myself, “What would Daisy do?”
She’s a woman who demonstrates humility and grace in every situation. She completely lacks guile and is quick to love those around her. On March 20th, this world lost an Angel and Heaven gained one. I have no doubt that she’ll be a fierce guardian angel to those she loves and her love and presence will ever be felt by those who love her.
As a stranger in a strange land, all alone, your mother was so very kind to me. We shared many enjoyable times together in the few months I lived in Arizona. My deepest sympathy to the family as I am sure there is a great sense of loss. May peace and comfort bolster you in the thought of a joyful reunion between Daisy and those who have gone before.
Daisy was a great lady that was so kind. I was so lucky to be able to visit with her a few times. I loved to hear the stories about her life. She will truly be missed. My heart goes out to her family for their great loss.
Condolences to Daisy’s family and friends. My numerous visits with Daisy are cherished memories. She always had a way to make you feel like family. She will now be with those that she had missed dearly. She will be missed by us.