Connie L. Norton

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for the time we had with her, we announce the return of Connie Norton to Heavenly Father’s welcoming embrace. With a heart full of love, Connie Louise Norton, age 71, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in her sleep on December 29, 2023.

Connie was born on July 13, 1952 to Howard and Betty Norton in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was raised in a loving home along with her three sisters and five brothers.

Connie had five children she adored. Motherhood was among her greatest joys.

She is survived by her children, Justin (Arianna), Stephanie (Jim), Melissa (Kirk), Kristen (Adam), and Vanessa (Zac); 18 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Cheryl, Julie, and Gaylynne; and 4 brothers, Craig, Grant, Jeff, and Gary.

Preceding Connie in death, were her beloved parents and her brother, Bryan.

Connie was an incredibly talented, skilled, and passionate individual. She played the piano and violin, and sang with the Mormon Youth Chorus. Music was always an integral part of her life, carrying her through good times and bad.

In her early adulthood, she demonstrated her business savvy and brilliant mind in the banking and mortgage industry. Connie ended her career as an area manager, having opened and staffed six offices during a time when it was very difficult for women to hold such titles. She left her career for what she felt was the most meaningful way to spend her time: motherhood.

Connie set the bar high as a mother. She was the Pinterest mom before Pinterest existed. She used her skills to crochet blessing gowns and dresses, sewed her children’s clothing and costumes, painted home décor, and baked and decorated cakes. At Christmastime she made their home a magical Christmas cottage. She infused her love of music into her children with beloved dance parties in the living room and supporting all of their musical interests in every way. She was a gifted writer, writing both for herself and using her gifts in support of others.

Connie was a generous and loving soul. She was an empathetic and intuitive spirit, often knowing things it didn’t seem quite possible to know. She had a way with children and was said to be a baby whisperer; she could get any infant to stop crying. She helped to care for many children beyond her own and never turned away someone who needed somewhere to stay or food in their belly. She was the neighborhood mom, offering a place of love and security to her children’s many friends. She would substitute teach at her children’s school, and was a fierce advocate for her children and others. She elevated other women; for example, she once donated an entire pickup truckload of fabric that was then taken to Africa for women to use in their cottage businesses. Throughout her life Connie always sought to improve herself, learning and trying new things and ensuring her children had those same opportunities. She used her talents with crochet, making blankets for her ward and making angel blankets for children in Primary Children’s Hospital, among many others. Each blanket was crafted with immense love and care. When her health still permitted, she cared for her grandchildren, extending her love and support across generations. She was truly selfless. Over time her health declined and she lost her sight, but she endured and found ways to continue many of her selfless acts. She fought valiantly to overcome her battles. Her strength was tested and proven, and her family is eternally proud of her.

Connie left this earthly existence with peace and love in her heart. She’d rekindled her love of music, lifting herself and others through it. She laughed, knew joy, and was wanted and loved.

A gathering in Connie’s honor will be on January 7 from 6-8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Millcreek, UT. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.

Funeral services will be on Monday, January 8 at 11 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 7115 S 3200 W, West Jordan, UT. Connie will be laid to rest following services at Redwood Memorial Cemetery, 6500 S Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, UT.