Audrey Bernice Norton (nee Burnett)

The Norton family is sad to share the news of the passing of the family matriarch, Audrey. Audrey was born and raised in Toronto, along with her two sisters and brother. She met and married her husband Bill Norton while they were both working at Toronto Motor Car, in the days when you weren’t allowed to date co-workers.

IN 1956 Audrey, her husband Bill, and their three young children Eric, Sandy, and Glen, moved to Bill’s hometown of Huntsville from Toronto. Two more children quickly followed, John and Al. The family lived in Huntsville but spent every summer and most weekends at Lake Waseosa where Bill’s father had been building cottages since the mid 1930’s. In 1972 the family moved permanently to the lake.

Audrey was a full-time homemaker, raising their five children. However, she also was involved in running the family cottage rental business, cleaning those cottages, and even dabbled in selling Avon. Unfortunately, she was a bit too honest and had a difficult time convincing customers to purchase items that they didn’t need!

In her younger years Audrey enjoyed bowling, curling and numerous adventures on snow machines. Although she was hospitalized for several months following a car accident, she never gave up and later became a fan of golfing, both on the course and on the frozen lake, and cross-country skiing. Her greatest love, however, was her early morning swims in the mist, often accompanied by whoever was willing to join her. Even after she couldn’t make it down to the lake, she still enjoyed sitting on her deck and waving at all the boaters passing by.

Audrey was a wonderful mom, grandmother, and great grandmother. All her children and their partners, (Eric/Martha, Sandy/Ross, Glen/Jackie, John/Francisco, Al/Caroline) now live on the original properties on Lake Waseosa and Ripple Lake. Over the years there have been numerous parties and get-togethers with family and friends, and Audrey was often the life of the party!

Audrey continued to live in the family home on the lake until 2023 when she moved into The Pines Nursing Home in Bracebridge. She received exceptional care and love from The Pines staff throughout her stay.

As per her wishes, cremation has occurred, and the family will be holding a private celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huntsville Hospital or a charity of your choice.