Donate in Memory of Celia M. Alsheimer

Obituary: Celia M. Alsheimer

Published in The Patriot Ledger on Dec. 4, 2013

Rochester-Diane Norton, 65, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 after a courageous battle with ALS.

Diane was born in Chicago, IL on July 24, 1950 and was the daughter of Alvin and Jean Friend. She is survived by her husband of 45 years Robert “Larry” Norton, her daughter Renee Woods and her son-in-law Joseph “Rob” Woods IV. She is also survived by her two grandsons, Derek Woods and Joseph Woods V, as well as her great grandson Jason-Michael Woods. She was pre-deceased by her mother, father and brother Donald Friend.

She graduated in 1968 from Ridgewood High School in Norridge, IL. During her career, she worked at Rich’s department store for 10 years as a cash office manager and also worked at Liberty Mutual in Dover for 27 years. Diane was a huge Jimmy Buffett fan and an active member of Club Finz. She served as the Fundraising Director, won numerous community service awards and was named Parrothead of the year; she did know how to party with a purpose.

Diane loved to travel the Caribbean and Key West, collecting decorative lizards along the way, going to Disney World and getting hugs from Minnie and watching the wild birds feed from the numerous bird feeders in her back yard. But most of all, she loved her cats, Tasha, Samantha, Tabitha and Sophie. The family wishes to thank the loving support of her caregivers Lisa and Joyce as well as Wentworth Hospice. They are also very grateful for the support of Ron Hoffman and Compassionate Care ALS.

There will be a celebration of life in her honor on Sunday November 8 at 1pm at the community center at Briar Ridge Estates in Rochester, NH. Donations in her honor may be made to Compassionate Care ALS: CCALS.org, PO Box 1052 West Falmouth, MA 02574.