Alicia Mary Norris Eaton
January 21, 1926 to August 20, 2022
Obituary
Alicia Mary Norris Eaton, born January 21, 1926, passed peacefully as the sun peeked through her window early Saturday morning on August 20, 2022. She was a pianist, painter, elementary school teacher, literacy specialist, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Alicia was a life-long learner, graduating from high school at St Brides College, Littledale at age 17, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts and Education at Memorial University at age 56 and Master of Education at Mount Saint Vincent University at age 66. After marrying in 1953, Alicia and Bill Eaton moved to Gander and then a few years later to Baie Verte. Evenings of music with Alicia at the piano, stories by Bill and other interesting shenanigans were the norm and continued when the family moved to Goose Bay in the early 70s and Pasadena in the early 90s where she and Bill retired. Alicia was a very active volunteer wherever she lived including the Hospital Auxiliaries, the NL Cancer Treatment Research Foundation in Goose Bay, and NL Association for New Canadians. Alicia returned to St John’s several years after her husband’s passing where she reconnected with old friends, made new friends, participated in numerous bridge groups and especially loved attending the NL Chamber Orchestra performances. Alicia is the daughter of the late Bernard and Alicia (Fitzpatrick) Norris of St John’s, sister to the late Mary Norris Shiland Gallagher (2013) of New York, and sister to Kathleen Norris of Montreal; and wife of the late William (Bill) Eaton (2004). She is survived by children Margo Eaton (St John’s), Norris and Marina Eaton (Pasadena), Kathie and Chris Paterson (St John’s), Alicia and Gary Dean (Heart’s Delight) and James and Jolie Eaton (Jarvis, Ontario); and grandchildren/great-grandchildren Allison Eaton and Duncan McIlroy and their son Robbie (Norris Point), Andrew and Gillian Eaton and their sons Sawyer, Oliver and Finn (Pasadena), Caitlin Paterson and Pat Donovan (Sun Prairie, Wisconsin) and Erin Paterson (St John’s). Alicia’s ever-present curiosity and fearlessness led her on many journeys throughout her 96 years. Throughout it all, including her last 5+ years of vascular dementia, Alicia’s sense of humor, smile and resilience shone at every new turn. Her family are so grateful to the wonderful caring staff at Heritage Square (CBS) and Chancellor Park (St John’s) who supported her during her final years. And a very special and heartfelt thank-you to her care companion over this past year and a half, Mariela Petten, an angel on earth and loved by Alicia. A memorial service will be announced in the coming year. Alicia will rest with her husband Bill at Mount Patricia Cemetery, Corner Brook. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Carnell’s Funeral Home.
Our condolences on the loss of your beautiful loved one – a gem indeed and loved by so many whose life She touched! I taught with her in Goose Bay and She played the music for our wedding ! What a legacy- 96 years! God Bless you All the family and find comfort in knowing She is at peace and now reunited with her loving husband ! Fondest memories Jackie(nee Brake) & Glyn Thomas
My deepest, deepest condolences to Alicia, Jamie, Kathie, Margo, Norrie and all your families. Your Mom holds a very special place in my heart and the obituary was so beautifully written, I felt her all over again. Sending my love to you all at this very difficult time. ❤️🌹xoxo
Dear Margo, Norrie, Kathy, Alicia, Jamie and families,
What a wonderful life your mother had, and she would be the first to say so.
Condolences and hugs to everyone.
Love
Mary Lou and Rob Dawe
Sending sincere condolences to my new dragon boat friend Margo Eaton & her family on the passing of her Mom. May your memories sustain you throughout this difficult time. As a team we share in your loss. God Bless!
met Alicia through CFUW and while I did not know her very well, she is the sort of person you just adore from the moment you meet her. The picture you have chosen is just perfect – showing a woman exactly as you describe in the obituary. I loved talking to her. Her “joie de vivre” was contagious. Please accept my most sincere condolences on her passing.
Dear Margo, Norrie, Kathie, Alicia, Jamie and families,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your beautiful and loving mother. She was one of the kindest, most encouraging and positive people I have ever known. I remember our time together on the Labrador North Branch Executive of the NLTA, back in the mid 80s, planning PD Days for teachers. She was so creative in the planning, and knew instinctively what would work for our colleagues. Those cherished Sunday family dinners in Goose, hold a special place in my heart, as Leish, Bill and you all were so kind and loving to my son little boys at the time, Thomas and Ben.
It really is the end of an era, as Leish was the very last of that wonderful and grand circle of friends -the Campbells, Furlongs, Cowans, O’Keefes, Eatons, Powers, Noahs, Simms and others, who celebrated life and friendship on New Year’s Eve and on other occasions ,like no one else around, and who supported and loved each other with that same completeness and commitment.
I will miss your Mom so very much and know that she is now with Bill, other family and her lovely friends once again.
Sincerest condolences,
Sean and Tracey Noah
Hi Erin and Family,
Our condolences to you and your families during this difficult time.
Abbigail Taylor and family
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Eaton. I only met her in recent years when she came to Squash practice to support and encourage her granddaughter, Erin, in her effort to improve her ability to play. She struck me as a kind, gentle and very loving lady – one who touched the hearts of many and will be sorely missed. Deepest condolences to the entire Eaton clan and to Kathie and Erin in particular on the loss of their mom/grandmother.
So sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing Erin sending prayers and condolences to you and your family at this very sad time hugs to you all.
Sorry for your loss condolences to the family.
Margo and family, so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.. I remember the time you and your parents went to Cuba for your cousins wedding and we were on the same flight and stayed at the same resort, Great times. She was a good friend to Mom. Rest in peace Alicia.
Margo, Norrie, Kathie, Alicia and Jamie, please accept our condolences and love, sent to you and your families. We are so sorry for your loss. Doug and Becky
Margo
Sorry for your loss of your beautiful mom.
Roseann Smart
Avalon Dragons
Aunt Alicia was such a lovely great aunt to have. She greeted us with open arms for weekends of skiing and was always seemed happy to share her home with us for as long (or short) as we stayed. I remember the joy of her stories and her infectious smile and how well dressed she always was. A great life lived. Sending love to you all.
Sincere condolences on the passing of Mrs. Eaton. May your rich memories give your comfort.
Deepest condolences to the Easton Family on the passing of your mom. I have good memories of our times in Goose Bay. Keep sharing those wonderful memories you have and may she rest in eternal peace.
We were all very sorry to hear of Mrs. Eaton’s passing and extend our sincerest condolences to her family. We remember how kind and friendly Mrs. Eaton (and the whole Eaton family) was to all of us. We fondly recall dinners prepared by Mrs. Eaton at the family home in Baie Verte, support and enthusiasm at swim meets and other events, and participation and contributions of much time and energy to the community as a whole.
Our deepest condolences to the Eaton & Norris family on the passing of your dearest mother & sister. Her picture captures the essence of Alicia’s characteristic joie de vivre with her warm smile. Alicia’s death marks the last of that wonderful circle of friends who celebrated a lifetime of friendships together. Our family sends our sympathy and we remember our happy memories of the many good times of friendship over the years.
Alicia I am thinking about you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Peddle
I am so saddened to hear of Alicia’s passing. She was a joy to be around and her beaming smile was contagious.
If there was music playing. she would sing along no matter what. One song she knew all of the words to was, Always by Irving Berlin, which is my favourite song too. I remember Mariela and me looking at her in awe as she beautifully sang along with me one day.
The picture you have chosen captures her perfectly, absolutely delightful, and cheerful. I am grateful to have known her, even for a short time. Thinking of you all during this time.
I have wonderful memories of my bridge games with Alicia and enjoyed the stories she shared . Celebrate her wonderful life, sincere condolence to her family.
Sincerely, Anna Gough Power
My condolences to her children and theirs. Sorry for your loss Margo
I have wonderful memories of Aunt Alicia growing up. We spent many weekends at Bill and Alicia’s house in Pasadena for ski trips, a tradition I carried on well into my 20s! And they were both always so lovely and happy to have us. I’ll remember Aunt Alicia fondly – she had the greatest laugh! Sending lots of love to you all.
So sorry for the loss of your wonderful mom. Seems like she lived a happy productive life and left this world a better place for her journey here..
Shirley Thorne ( Avalon Dragons)
Our deepest condolences to the Eaton family on the passing of your Mom. We knew your Mom & Dad in Goose Bay. I taught with her & Les often flew out to the coast with your Dad. Alicia & her husband & your Mom came to Bay Roberts (about 6-7 years ago) to visit us. We had a lovely time reminiscing about our time in Goose Bay. May she Rest In Peace. Laura& Les Cooper
To the Eaton Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Lots of fond memories of our time shared in Goose Bay..
Rest in Peace Mrs. Eaton
So sorry to hear of Alicia’s passing. She was the last of a generation. A lifelong friend of my mother’s and a bridesmaid in her wedding.. my condolences to all the family.
David Power
Midland, TX, USA
So sorry to the Eaton clan for the loss of another lovely person of this generation. Aunt Alicia was always friendly to me as as my ” aunt in law” and so welcoming to my family on our sleepover visits on route across the island when she and Uncle Bill lived in Pasadena. We had great chats and laughs. I was always impressed with her educational accomplishments as an older student after raising a large and awesome family. You have great memories to share.. May she rest in peace. .
There’s no question Aunt Alicia lived life to the fullest and no doubt her bright smile is now lighting up heaven. She will be missed. Sending lots of love and my sincere condolences to you all. Love, cousin Sue xoxoxo
I knew Alicia for a few years in Thursday morning book club with CFUW.
Alicia was a lovely lady, always smiling and friendly.
Condolences to her family.
I want you to know, Margo, and Family Members, that you are very much in my thoughts at present. God bless. Jim
We are so sorry to hear of Mrs. Easton’s passing. We lived on the same street as her and Mr. Eaton in Pasadena and so enjoyed our chats about all matter of subjects. It was only last week that we were recalling Mrs. Eaton. Condolences to her family and may she rest in eternal peace..
Darrin and Sylvie Sooley
Paradise
Formerly from Ross Avenue iPasadena
I am so sorry to hear about dear Alicia’s passing. Our families have been dear friends for so many years and have shared so many memories. I send my deepest condolences to the Eaton and Norris families.
So very sorry at the sad news. What a lovely lady Alicia was. She will be sorely missed. My deepest love to dear Kathleen on the loss of your sister, as well as to all of Alicia’s children and their families.
So very sorry to hear about Alicia’s passing. Deepest sympathy to the entire family. Robert Power and Dave Philpott
I only knew Alesia for a short time but she was a special lady I was lucky to be a part of her life. I am thankful for the trust her family had for me to let me help care for this wonderful lady. I will miss her very much.❤️
Mariela and Tom
Aunt Alicia, you were always so welcoming to us when ever we saw you. My Mom always said you were the same age as her, but when you moved into St. John’s you got younger and younger as sjhe got older and older..
You will be missed.
You are in our thoughts, Margo, Norris, Kathie, Alicia and James, at this most difficult time
Your cousin
Beth