The spotlight is on: Florence Garner Norton (1878 – 1971)

         Florence Norton was born in Hanover, ME on April 26, 1878, the daughter of Allen and Mary (Jordan) Garner.    She was one of 6 children – four of which lived to adulthood. Her family moved to Kezar Falls Village in Parsonsfield in 1881 when her father, Allen Garner came here to organize the Kezar Falls Woolen Company.  He was successful in that endeavor and went on to become an officer, stockholder and an owner of the mill. 

     Florence was educated locally and graduated from Parsonsfield Seminary in 1905. On Dec. 2, 1919 she married William T. Norton.  Marrying late in life, (both in their 40’s) they had no children.  Florence and William shared a love for music. She had studied the piano and gave piano lessons for many years. William was known for his singing. They lived in her parent’s former home on Elm Street.  William died tragically in 1932 leaving her a widow for 49 years.  

    But Florence, who was affectionately known as “Aunt Flossie” to those who knew her, lived a full life.  She was fond of children and was always doing something for them.  She enjoyed playing “Santa Claus” especially with those who might have less than others.  She enjoyed keeping track of birthdays and often sent gifts and cards.  Scouts and other groups often held meetings at the family’s bungalow on Garner Island behind her home.  At one time Porter High School graduates were given a small gift from Flossie in recognition of their completing high school. 

          Florence was a very active member of the Riverside United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school.  She was a trustee for over 40 years and organist there until 1938. She was a member of the Ladies Afternoon Guild and the Women’s Society for Christian Service. She was also an active member of the Ladies Magazine Reading Club and was its president for 27 years.  She served as secretary of the Kezar Falls Circulating Library for 35 years.  And Florence was a Charter Member of the Parsonsfield Porter Historical Society. 

        In 1967 she fell and broke her hip.  As she was confined to a wheelchair, she closed her home on Elm Street and entered Gorham Manor Nursing Home and lived there for the last four years of her life.  Florence passed away on May 8, 1971, at age 93 and is buried next to her husband in the Kezar Falls Burial Ground in Porter.