Louise Norton, 96, Led Library and Loved Dogs

Louise S. Norton, 96, of Calebs Pond, Chappaquiddick Island, died on Feb. 1 at Windemere Nursing & Rehabilitiation Center in Oak Bluffs after a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Norton visited Martha's Vineyard at an early age where she met and married, Philip B. Norton of Edgartown, former co-owner of Norton & Easterbrook's boat yard, currently Edgartown Marine. For 65 years they shared a loving and rich life together. He preceded her in death on July 28, 1988.

Longtime head librarian at the Edgartown Public Library, Mrs. Norton had a sharp inquisitive mind and a broad based knowledge in the literary field.

During the summer months, with her fluent command of the German language, Mrs. Norton often tutored college students who needed her expertise.

Mrs. Norton was a dedicated Island woman, happiest surrounded by her family and friends, gardening, reading and caring for her long line of golden retrievers. She was a devoted member of Saint Andrews Episcopal church in Edgartown.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at New Westside Cemetery, the Rev. Robert Edmunds officiating. She will be laid to rest where she longed to be, beside her beloved husband Philip.

Mrs. Norton is survived by her daughters, Phyllis Norton Bartol, of Milton, and Marcia Norton Leeper, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., her granddaughter, Lisa Anna Saunders also of Pagosa Springs, her nephews, S. Bailey Norton Jr. & Floyd C. Norton of Edgartown, their families and her niece, Drusilla N. Parks, of Bradenton, Fla. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Lewis Baxter of Charleston, W.V., their children and family members.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Edgartown