Special mass held in honour of Allison Norton at Marist Brothers Linmeyer

A special mass was recently held at Marist Brothers Linmeyer School in memory of Allison Norton, who died on October 9 at the age of 64.

The school hall was packed with friends, family, and students who expressed their sorrow, demonstrating how loved, kind and caring she was.

Born on May 9, 1958, she lived a purposeful life as a beautiful, timid, shy young lady and a teacher at heart. When she was growing up, she later became more confident.

Allison was an only child whose parents instilled in her the importance of sharing, even if it meant giving away her last sweet. She grew up to be completely selfless, never putting herself first. She was exceptional.

Gary, Allison’s husband, said at the mass that she was a teacher at heart. After finishing her studies, she joined the staff at Glenanda Primary School, where she spent 11 years.

She then joined Gary at St David’s where she spent the next 26 years of her life.

“Even after she left, she spoke fondly of the school, her friends and the children she taught. Every day she became the coffee maker and enjoyed chatting with the early arrivals.

“She joined me at Marist Brothers Linmeyer as a ‘stand-in’ teacher for those on maternity leave or absent due to illness after retiring from St David’s.

“Alli’s happy place became Marist Linmeyer. She was always warmly welcomed by both the primary and secondary school staff. It was nice to see her pop in and out from time to time, claiming Gary needed a nice cappuccino from Woollies.

“Alli was overly generous, often giving everything she had to others in greater need. She and I went to a record 45 matric dances together, one at Mondeor High, five at Parktown Boys’, eight at St David’s, one in Knysna and 24 at Linmeyer,” said Gary.

Gary and Allison’s story

What should one do during a midlife crisis? So, this is our story said Gary.

“I got my learner’s permit for a motorcycle while studying and planned to buy a CD200. When I told Alli, all hell broke loose. I decided to keep the peace and cancelled my plans.”

When Gary turned 50, he bought a second-hand CD200 and decided to restore it for their sons, Ryan and Shaun.

Thinking that Harleys were prohibitively extensive, Alli said, ‘If you want to get a bike you have to get a Harley!

“So, I phoned the Clearwater dealership and off we went, coming home after paying a deposit for a Sportster. And that is how our riding adventure started.”

Gary was invited to join the marshal corps after they joined ClearwaterHD.

“We met the most amazing people and had a great time. I remember that I expected Alli to say, ‘It’s time to sell your bike now’ after my accident in 2008. She, however, did not. She claimed that it was an accident and that he was fine. How many wives would have done that? She suggested we get a bigger bike after a few long rides on the Sportster. All of this resulted in larger and longer adventures.”

Adventures pushed them to their limits but they made it, riding through storms and without brakes on one ride.

“Alli was always close to her parents, even after they had passed away.”

She and Gary had a close family and Allison’s dad treated Gary like the son he never had. When Ryan married Shannon, they gained another family and three daughters, and later, a grandson, Tom. Shaun and Amy have given them three wonderful grandchildren, Lilah, Hayley and Max.

Gary and Alli had a wonderful relationship of trust, love and a sense of dedication towards each other. They enjoyed each other’s company immensely. They gave each other space and never became grumpy.

“After 25 years of marriage, on the morning of our anniversary, I foolishly asked her if there were anything that she didn’t like about their marriage. Without hesitation, she said, ‘Yes, there are three things!’ She continued by saying, ‘your snakes, your drumming and the fact that you don’t take money seriously.

“Alli hated snakes because she always felt that they were out to get her and Shaun.”

Gary had to depend on Ryan when administering medication to venomous species. “I would watch specimens at reptile parks for long periods, studying scale patterns and colours, observing bonsais at exhibitions and she would often say, ‘Can move on or go now?’ I always accompanied her to stamping shops, clothing stores and even a model baby exhibition at the Boksburg City Hall.”

At this exhibition, Gary was fascinated by the miniature furniture and home fittings and once again became engrossed in the processes and skills required to produce these items. “Even then, she said ‘can we please go now!’ She also detested queuing for anything.

“During my career as an educator, Alli was always present by my side, encouraging, listening, understanding and giving the most amazing support. What a blessing she was to me. She often explained to her colleagues when they complained about management, ‘You don’t understand what it’s like to be in that position, making decisions, and being responsible for so many people’.

“With Alli as a friend, one felt privileged. She was loyal, never enjoyed gossiping only finding the good in people, and assisting with their problems and activities.

“Alli was a Facebook fanatic and I had no privacy. I asked her not to use my name, so I became known as the ‘bestie’.

“She developed the most amazing network of special friends from her schooldays, college and teaching career.”

Allison always supported the least favoured in life and paid special attention to her students who had learning difficulties. They felt noticed. As a Marist educator, she lived by the Marist characteristics – particularly in the way of Mary and family spirit.

“She accepted people for who they were and never judged anyone. The messages of condolence give proof that she was no ordinary person, but an extraordinary human being who lived a significant life,” said Gary.

“As people do, they often speak about death, who would die first and who would do what and when, and we realised that when it is one’s time to go and God calls one, then it is to be accepted.”

The suddenness of her passing has caught them both off guard.

“People have said life is cruel and what has happened is not fair. The future is uncertain and unpredictable for all of us. I just felt so blessed to have known Allison for the past 50 years and that 40 of those years were spent in an incredibly happy marriage sharing the most amazing experiences,” said Gary.