Barbara L. Norris

West Springfield – Barbara L. Norris, 94, passed away peacefully on February 13 at RegalCare at Holyoke. She had lived in West Springfield for over 30 years. She was born July 19, 1929 to the late George and Viola (Weeks) Rauch in Florence, MA. Barbara was married to Alfred J. Norris in 1946 and he predeceased her in 1966. She worked many years in retail. She was an avid painter and truly loved working in her flower garden. In 1961 she was the first open heart surgical patient in Massachusetts. In 2022 she became the oldest Lady Shriner at age 90. Barbara was predeceased by her longtime partner of more than 50 years, Francis H. Drake in 2020 and her daughters Linda (Norris) Heischman in 2016 and Pattie (Norris) Denney in 2022. She was also predeceased by her sister Agnes M. (Rauch) Waite in 2003 and brother-in-law Kenneth M. Waite in 2010, her grandson Daniel A. Norris in 1967 and great granddaughter Amber A. Manno in 1997. She is survived by her sons Wayne A. Norris of Arizona and Dana A. Norris of Illinois, her stepson Steven Drake and his wife Angelina of Missouri, and son-in-law Gaylan (Skip) Heischman of Florida. Grandchildren Linda Manno and husband John of Chicopee, Michael Norris and wife Holly of Arizona, Christen Norris and wife Annie of Illinois, Dana Norris and his girlfriend Robyn of East Longmeadow, Tiffany of New Jersey and Monica Doiron and husband Todd of Florida. Her niece Ellen Rockett and husband Tom of Leeds. Her great grandchildren Nickolas, Nathan, Ariella, Blake, Mason, Brandon, Hailey, Jake, Fiana and great nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her dear friends of Oxford Place, where she lived for over 27 years, especially David, Ana, Judy, Christine, Norman, Royetta. A Memorial Visitation is scheduled for March 9 from 11 am – 1 pm with a 1 pm Memorial Service at Toomey-O’Brien Funeral Home, 1403 Westfield St, West Springfield. Burial will be private at a later date.