Doris Bernice Payson Norton

Biddeford

Doris Bernice Payson Norton, 95, aka "THE QUEEN MOTHER", of Biddeford, passed away peacefully into the Everlasting Arms of Jesus on Thursday, January 6, 2022, in her own home surrounded by love.  Our precious mom was born in the same house as her dad, with a midwife, Cholie Mills in East Union, Maine on June 21, 1926.   Doris grew up in East Union, loved to play softball every Saturday at Young's Field with the neighborhood kids, and attended one-room school houses where she engaged in more softball games during recesses & after school hours with other classmates.  Four miles one way, mom walked and/or used her snowshoes to/from high school. She joyfully played on the softball team, participated in snowshoe competitions/rode the toboggan chute at the Camden Snow Bowl, took piano lessons that placed her in a variety of recitals and graduated from Union High School in 1944.  She also graduated (1945-1946) from Gates Business College in Augusta. After graduation, Doris worked as an office stenographer/secretary to Dept. of Health and Welfare in Augusta from 1945-1949.

On July 28, 1946, she married the love of her life, Robert W. Norton of Augusta. Together, they raised two children, Kim and Kent, her phenomenal primary care giver for her last 8 years. Doris absolutely loved spending time with her family, especially "at the lake".  Being a true Proverbs 31 lady, she took pride in being a stay-at-home mom and keeper of her beautiful home, (second home) cottage and family.  In dad's wonderful 36 years of retirement, she got to relax with her handsome hubby up "at the lake", Rocktide Inn in Boothbay Harbor, and the Four Seasons in the Twin Mountains of New Hampshire, just a few of their favorite spots. Many times they went with special friends and got to know the motel staff so well, their stays were extended and gifted.

Doris was a hard worker, constantly walked in the neighborhood collecting fund raisers for many different charities, got a kick out of her son-in-law's jokes causing many belly laughs, enjoyed caring for her own cats, specially bonded with her grand-cat, Xena Princess, beyond amazing Maine Coon, and loved her husband and children, unconditionally.  She was a God-Given Gentle GEM to the very end; kind, honest, generous, genuinely selfless, always smiling and offering an encouraging word to family, friends, and strangers alike.  She always viewed the best in all situations and people.  Her favorite words of wisdom were: "Enjoy life while you can because you get 'OLD' too quick!"  Her very consistent positive outlook was seen by all who knew her. All her nurses also saw her as a "sweetheart"!

She was predeceased by her parents, Roland Evander Payson and Gretchen Anna Grassow, husband, "Bob" of 68 years, sister, Marilyn Christianson, nephew, Robby Christianson and numerous in-laws.  Doris Norton will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her children Kent Norton, Kim Norton Demers, her husband, Brian, several nieces, nephews, family and friends.

An immediate inurnment to join her beloved husband, will be held at the Maine Veteran's Cemetery in Augusta.   Arrangements are by Cote Funeral home, Saco. To sign the guest book or leave condolences go to www.cotefuneralhome.com .   If friends or family desire, donations can be made to:  New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland for their Stroke Program, 335 Brighton Ave., Portland, ME 04102