Debbie Marie Norton Obituary (1951 - 2022)

Debbie Marie Norton 1951-2022 Debbie Marie Norton, of Wickenburg, Arizona, passed away peacefully in her home on January 8th, 2022. Debbie was born on September 10th, 1951, and grew up in Jacksonville, Illinois with her mother Ethel, father Homer (deceased), younger brother Robert, and younger sister Beverly (deceased). Debbie earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California in 1976. After an internship at a hospital in Los Angeles, California, Debbie became the first woman certified medical photographer in the US, followed by employment as staff photographer at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Debbie later earned a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1989. She was then employed by Eastman Kodak from 1990 to 2000 as a technical advisor serving photography supply retailers and studios in the Los Angeles, California area. Debbie became a couple with her longtime friend, Wayne Norton, in the San Diego, California area in 2000. They were married in 2006 and then moved to Wickenburg, Arizona in 2007 to enjoy the desert and life in a smaller town. Debbie educated herself on green building and served as general contractor for the house she and Wayne built in Wickenburg. Debbie loved adventure, experiencing many activities, including being an airplane pilot, skydiving, scuba diving, and sea kayaking. However, her greatest love was travel to experience nature and culture in foreign lands. Above all she was an environmentalist and humanitarian, always willing to put others before herself. She is survived by her husband Wayne, brother Robert, and mother Ethel. We request that no flowers or other gifts be delivered, but are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from friends and loved ones during this difficult time. However, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, who greatly assisted in providing compassionate care. Hospice of the Valley1510 E. Flower St.Phoenix, AZ 85014