Mary Elizabeth Norris

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of our Mom’s passing on November 10, 2025. A thoughtful, compassionate, and generous spirit who always put her family first, she will be deeply missed.

Mary was born in the 1940s, growing up the oldest of 5 siblings on their family’s sprawling farm in Flemington, New Jersey. After high school, she felt a deep calling and compassion to help those in need that led to a lifelong career in nursing. After graduating from Martland Medical Center Nursing Program in Newark, NJ in 1963, she made her move out West. She spent the majority of her 60-year career as a pediatric nurse at UC Davis Medical Center. She truly cherished her role working in Pediatrics and made many lifelong friends amongst her patients, their families, and her coworkers.

Mary met and fell in love with her beloved husband of 48 years, Gregory Norris, in the mid-70’s and they planted their roots in Sacramento. Mary always put her family first; they were her absolute pride and joy. Over the last decade, she loved nothing more than to spoil her four grandchildren, who lovingly referred to her as GranMary.

Mary had a fierce love of breakfast and relished gathering with friends to chat over eggs, bacon and hot tea. She enjoyed exercising and visiting craft fairs with friends. She and Greg also loved to travel when they could. They spent many anniversaries playing the slot machines and catching shows in Reno or simply relaxing on the coast in Bodega Bay, a place which held a special place in their hearts, and they made many treasured family memories over the years.

Mary took pride in making their family home cozy, tidy and festive, always decorated for every season and ready to welcome visitors at a moment’s notice. For many years, Mary and Greg loved hosting their annual Christmas party for family and friends. Mary also savored quiet time at home, where you would often find her crocheting blankets and reading her periodicals.

A very generous and thoughtful person, Mary never missed sending a card to a loved one for their birthday, enjoyed shopping and giving gifts and treats (especially to her grandkids!), and never expected anything in return. During the Christmas season, her favorite time of year, she spent weeks in the kitchen making sure she baked enough goodies to share with all her family and friends. Her generosity extended out into the community as well, where she donated to numerous charities every year.

Mary was welcomed into heaven by her soulmate Greg, who passed away in 2024; her parents, Stanley and Evelyn Bartles; and her brother, James. She is survived by her 2 children, Matthew Norris (Megan) and Jennifer Elam (Aaron); her grandchildren, Landon and Coral Norris, and Madison and Logan Elam; her brothers, John (Anita) and Richard (Carla); her sister, Judith (George) and sister-in-law Genny (James’s wife).

A memorial service will be held January 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Ignatius Parish, followed by a gathering in their Garden Room. Those wishing to make a tribute to Mary’s life can donate in her name to the Child Life Program at Give.UCDavis.edu/MCMN/9200625.