Obituary of Helen Norton

Rone Funeral Service 856-691-4222 Helen (Pedersen) Norton, 84, died peacefully in the evening of April 23, 2023 in Ft. Myers, Florida. Helen was born Helen Teresa Pedersen on October 28, 1938 in Clementon NJ in her childhood home. She was the fourth child of six born to Thomas J. Pedersen Sr. and Veronica May Pedersen (née Lange). Helen graduated summa cum laude from Glassboro State College in 1960 with a BS in Junior High School Teaching. She would want it to be noted that she graduated from Glassboro with a GPA a fraction of a point higher than her husband's, Robert William Norton, whom she met there and later married in 1960. Helen and Robert made their home in Landisville NJ where they raised three children: Terry, Laura, and Scott. Helen was an educator and taught math to middle school children, first in Hammonton NJ, then at Dr. JP Cleary in Minotola, NJ where she remained until her retirement. She was fiercely devoted to her students and spent many hours after school tutoring. She never required a student to learn only one way to solve a math problem-she would say "As long as they get the right answer, they can solve it any way that makes sense to them." Helen also spent many hours coordinating and attending many of her school's events. She always wanted to do something special, something big, and something that would inspire her students. Her devotion to her students stood the test of time as many of her students sought her out later in life to tell her what a difference she had made in their lives. Education was so important to Helen. She herself continued learning through the years and was passionate about nature, science, space, history, and politics. She kept herself current and embraced the need to change with the times. She was as smart as she was kind. She was accepting of all people and went out of her way to help others and make them feel special in some way. Her husband has often said, "I married the nicest person I've ever known." Helen continued to enjoy life after her retirement and traveled throughout the United States, Asia and Europe with Bob. They also spent many days enjoying their home in Sea Isle City NJ during the summer months, and then in 1993 she and Bob bought a home in Cape Coral, FL where they would spend most of the winter months thereafter. They made wonderful caring friends there who quickly became extended family. Helen is survived by her husband Robert of Cape Coral FL; her daughter Terry Lynn Norton- Wright of Collingswood NJ; her daughter Laura Norton and son-in-law Mike Cassidy of Haddon Heights NJ; her son, Scott Robert Norton and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Uporsky of Philadelphia PA; and her grandchildren, Lily Laura Mulreaney, William Washburn Norton Wright, Andrew Ellison Norton Wright, Damien Toscani, and Emily Cassidy. She is also survived by her brother Thomas J. Pedersen Jr.; sisters Veronica Brown, Ann Iannetta (Nick), and Catherine Marshall (Ed); sister-in-law Joanne Pedersen; her brothers-in-law Albert Norton and Carl Norton; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members. Helen was predeceased by her parents; her grandson, Jeffrey Robert Mulreaney; her brother Harry Pedersen; her brother-in-law Gerald Brown; and her sisters-in-law Bernadette Norton, Shouling Norton and Dorothy Pedersen.. A funeral home visitation will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 5pm to 8pm at Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ. A Funeral service and entombment will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 11:30 am from All Saints Cemetery. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make contributions to the Buena Regional High School Education Foundation, 125 Weymouth Road, Buena, NJ 08310 as that was Helen's wish. To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com