WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Phyllis (McNanley) Norton, 89, of Williamstown, Mass., died peacefully on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass.



She was born in Springfield, Mass., on July 17, 1928, the daughter of the late James and Bertha (Denault) McNanley. She graduated from the former Technical High School in Springfield. Phyllis obtained her bachelor of arts degree from American International College and did graduate work at Springfield College.



Phyllis taught in West Brookfield, Adams, and at the Little Red School House in South Williamstown. She also did substitute work in the Springfield and Williamstown School systems, tutored at Buxton School.



She was a communicant of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Parish and taught in the CCD program. She also did volunteer work at Sweetbrook Nursing Home. Phyllis had a heart of gold; her loving, generous and compassionate soul was inspirational to all who know her. She embraced the small daily blessings in her life and was grateful for every day.



Phyllis married Jerome Haywood Norton on July 7, 1951. Phyllis and Jerry made their home on Latham Street, where they welcomed relatives and friends, neighbors old and new, and many, many  former students. They started a new chapter in their lives when they moved to Proprietor's Field in 2010, making new friends and enjoying that community. Jerry died on February 1, 2014.



Phyllis leaves a daughter, Jennifer Jayko, and her husband, James, of Williamstown, Mass.; a son, Jerome Norton and his wife, Kathleen, of South Hadley, Mass.; a daughter-in-law, Eileen, of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and two grandchildren, Lila and Danielle Norton.



She was predeceased by two sons, Christopher and Carl Norton.



Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for of Phyllis Norton will be celebrated at Sts. Patrick and Raphael Church in Williamstown on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sts. Patrick & Raphael Food Pantry or to the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter through the Flynn and Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall Street North Adams, Mass.