Mary Maxwell Norton West

Mary Maxwell Norton West,103, (called ìMary Macî) was born March 12, 1911, in Newport News, VA. She died peacefully June 22, 2014, at Woodhaven Assisted Living, Williamsburg Landing, Williamsburg VA. She grew up in Newport News, as the oldest child of Bertie Merritt Norton and Harold Frederick Norton, a naval architect in the Shipyard. She graduated from Wellesley College in 1932 with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Astronomy. At Wellesley, she was president of the Young Womenís Christian Association, and a rower for Wellesley Crew. After a few years teaching in a private school and as a governess, she was married to John Walter West, Jr., of Waverly, VA. They lived in Scarsdale, NY, for 30 years before returning to their home state of Virginia for retirement. They lived in Queens Lake before coming to the Landing soon after it was established.

She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church throughout her life. During WWII, she hosted groups that prepared bandages for the soldiers. Once in Williamsburg, she tutored middle school students. At the Landing, she assisted elderly residents to attend Vespers, and read aloud to those with less acute vision. She enjoyed the Landing gym when it was built, especially the rowing machine. She enjoyed playing Bridge, and was reported to be the only resident limber enough to pick up the cards dropped by others on the floor! However, Nature was her greatest enjoyment and inspiration, whether the forests of her beloved Mohonk Retreat in the Adirondacks, or boating on the Chesapeake Bay, James River, Long Island Sound, or Lake Champlain.

She leaves her sister Sue Gray Alsalam of Fredericksburg, VA; two children, Mary Maxwell West of Cambridge, MA, and H. F. Norton West of S. Portland, ME; a step son John W. West III of Richmond; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on June 25, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. in the Reception Room of Woodhaven Manor, Williamsburg Landing, followed by a private service for interment in Newport News.