Winona S. Norris

Our beloved mother, Winona S. Norris, (nee Seislove) of Endwell NY, passed away on October 29, 2024, at UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City NY. She was 95 years old. Born on September 30, 1929, in Binghamton NY, she was the second of five children born to John Milton Seislove and Helen Fegely Seislove. She is predeceased by her husband, Russell E. Norris, Jr., siblings Winifred, Helen and George; two sons, Scott R. Norris of Concord, NC and Mark A. Norris of Endwell; and a grandson, Avery N Quick of Berkshire, NY. Winona is survived by her brother, John Seislove of San Jose, CA; her children, Anita K and David Wasson of Endwell, John R Norris and Carolyn (Loso) of Endicott, Lori A and Brian Dollard of Voorheesville, NY, and daughter-in-law Brenda Howard Norris of Concord, NC; grandchildren, Jevan Dollard of Albany, Mark E and Bethany Dollard of Schenectady, Joseph Dollard of Guilderland, NY, and Mary and James Hilson of Schenectady; great grandchildren Maddox Vader Quick, Magdalena Hilson and Anna Dollard. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Winona graduated from Binghamton High School in 1947 and from Wilson School of Nursing in 1950. Winona and Russell were married in 1952 and moved to Havre-de-Grace, Maryland, where she worked in labor and delivery, while Russell served in the US Army at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. During this time, mom and dad were members of the Sports Car Club of America. They had fun driving their MG in many road rallies where mom served as dad's expert navigator. Upon Russell's employment at IBM, the couple returned to their hometown and started a family that became their focus and joy. In addition to honing her talents as wife, mother and homemaker, Winona was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Endicott, now known as Living Hope Church, serving in many capacities including Choir, Circle leader, hospitality, and Youth leader. Winona was very active alongside Russ in the 60’s and 70’s in the Conservative Party movement and in helping establish Row C on the NYS ballot. She loved to travel and enjoyed many camping trips with the family. Once her children had grown, she returned to nursing and worked for many years, as a part-time Supervisor at the Endicott Nursing Home. In their retirement, Russ and Winona were on the road again, making several cross-country trips to visit relatives. After Russ' death, she enjoyed visits to the Broome West Senior Center and was a member of their Senior Chorus for years. She loved to sing and rhyme words to make you laugh. She was quick to smile and loved to entertain family and friends, serving some of the best home-cooked meals one could ever enjoy. Winona could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, as her friendly smile and sparkling eyes exuded a warm joy she freely shared. She was a faith-filled woman who shared her love of God, appreciation for life, family, and beauty in all things. She lived life well and now celebrates her eternal reward in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Well done, Mom. We love you so much and look forward to seeing you and Dad again!
Funeral Services will be held 12:30 pm, Friday, November 8 at the Allen Memorial Home 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott the family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Friday, November 8 from 10 am to 12 pm.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Winona's memory may be made to Meals On Wheels of Western Broome.