Nancy Ellen Norton

Nancy E. Norton, 84, of Naples, Florida, and Mattapoisett, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born in Boston, Nancy was the daughter of Mary V. (Nestor) Auclair and Oscar Auclair. She grew up in Jamaica Plain, where she gained warmth, resilience, and devotion to family-qualities that defined her life.

In 1960, Nancy married Robert L. Norton. Together they shared over sixty years of marriage, building a life around family, friendship, travel, and community. They raised their family in Norfolk, Massachusetts, later retiring in Naples, Florida, and spending summers in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Robert predeceased Nancy on June 22, 2024.

Nancy was a devoted mother to Robert L. Norton Jr. and his wife, Pamela, of Wellesley. She was also the mother of Mary K. Norton and her husband, Michael Feinberg, of Medfield, and of Thomas Norton and his wife, Cheri Alix, of Norfolk.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Sarah Neiterman and her husband, Daniel, of Boston, Massachusetts; Joshua Norton of Wellesley, Massachusetts; Kayla V. Feinberg and her husband, Garrett Ledbetter, of Norfolk, Massachusetts; Nicholas Feinberg and his fiancée, Sucha Chantaprasopsuk, of Chicago, Illinois; and Thomas Alix Norton of Upton, Massachusetts. Nancy was also blessed with the joy of becoming a great-grandmother to Oliver Ledbetter. His arrival brought her tremendous happiness.

Nancy is survived by her sister, Joan Lake of Norwood, Massachusetts; her cherished nieces Karen Hays and Kathleen Marino both of Naples, Florida, and Janet Chagnon of Greenfield, Massachusetts; and many other beloved nieces and nephews related to the Lake, Burns and Norton families. She will be remembered for the birthday and anniversary cards she sent for decades. No milestone went unnoticed; no loved one was forgotten.

Nancy possessed remarkable artistic talents. She was an accomplished oil painter, inspired by the South Coast of Massachusetts. She skillfully captured its landscapes with affection. She was also an expert seamstress, creating clothing, furnishings, and handmade items with care. Her passion for sewing led to many years at the Franklin Mill Store, where she shared her expertise. She was a gifted knitter. Her sweaters, scarves, and handmade gifts kept loved ones warm through New England winters.

A longtime resident of Naples and Mattapoisett, Nancy embraced both communities, joining book clubs, gatherings, and events, and forming lifelong friendships. In the Point Connett community of Mattapoisett, Nancy was cherished for her kindness and thoughtfulness. She had a gift for bringing people together, organizing gatherings, contributing decorations and artwork, and always offering a helping hand. Nancy enriched lives, fostered cherished traditions, and created lasting memories.

Nancy and Bob shared a love of travel and adventure. They explored historic cities, exotic destinations, and scenic coastlines. They enjoyed tranquil cruise ports. Their travels created treasured memories and stories. These reflected their shared curiosity and deep enjoyment of the world.

After being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, Nancy faced her illness with grace and courage. Her family is grateful for the compassionate care from her physicians, nurses, and caregiver, including teams at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Southcoast Health.

In accordance with Nancy's wishes, no public services are planned. Her family will gather privately in Mattapoisett later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Nancy's memory to donate to Blood Cancer United at www.bloodcancerunited.org.

The family invites loved ones to honor Nancy by spending time together, creating something beautiful, or connecting with others-simple acts that reflect her life.