NEW HAVEN — Betty J. (Stokes) Norris died peacefully surrounded by her children on May 6, 2021, after a short stay at Helen Porter Nursing and Rehabilitation and guided by their incredible palliative team and nursing staff. It was her wish to live independently and she was able to do so with an immense amount of care, dedication and support from daughter Bonita Bedard.
Betty was born on Feb. 29, 1932, the daughter of Reatha and Sam Stokes, and spent her childhood farming with her family and attended Bristol High School. She married Mahlon Norris (one of 15 children) and was immediately welcomed into the Norris clan. Along with running a dairy farm in South Starksboro she also brought four amazing children of whom she was incredibly proud (Alan, Bonita, Cookie and Kelly) into the world. The farm had an open door policy and Betty always had extra food and room for whoever needed it. She was an entertainer and her storytelling skills and cooking kept everyone engaged and coming back for more.
After her divorce she moved to New Haven with her partner Robert Ford and together ran a nuts and bolts company for many years.
Betty is survived by her children and their spouses, Alan and Nancy Norris, Bonita and David Bedard, Cookie and Fran Jennings, Kelly and Kathleen Norris, daughter-in-law Michelle Norris, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two great-great-granddaughters and a great-great-grandson. She was predeceased by her partner of over 20 years, Robert Ford, brother Ted Stokes, sister Dixie Goodrich, niece BJ Hinojosa and beloved grandson Clinton Norris.
In lieu of a service or flowers, you may make a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in her memory and send checks payable to CFF c/o Bonita Bedard, 22 Main Street, Bristol, VT 05443.◊