Frances Norton

Francie Norton of Palos Verdes Estates passed away on February 28th at age 94. Born Frances E. Vee on May 6, 1923, the youngest of 8 children born to Gilbert and Emma Vee. Francie grew up on the family farm and graduated high school in the small town of Hanska, Minnesota. After 2 yrs of business school in Minneapolis she left Minnesota for California. Arriving in Los Angeles in 1943, she worked as a secretary at the Harvill Corporation where she met her future husband, Dale Norton. In 1949, Francie followed Dale and two partners as they started Die Cast Products, Inc. in Gardena. After Dale was widowed, he and Francie married in 1958 and built their house in Palos Verdes. The Nortons traveled extensively throughout the US and around the world and were avid photographers, Dale with his 16mm movies and Francie with her classic Rolleiflex. They were members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Riviera Methodist and later First United Methodist Church in Redondo Beach, and were generous contributors to many charities and civic causes. Francie loved music and was a loyal Dodger fan. She retired in 1988 after 40 yrs with DCP. Francie was predeceased by her husband Dale in 2003, all her siblings (sisters Elva Englin, Verona Grey, Margaret Redding, and Grace Redding, and brothers Obrean Vee, Rupert Vee, and Lloyd Vee), and her step-daughter Susan (Norton) Donley. She leaves behind two grandchildren, Michael Donley of Springfield, Virginia, and Melinda Bowman of Torrance, six great grandchildren (Nick, Katie, Cameron, Chris, Jacquie, and Liz), five great-great grandchildren (Aidan, Daniel, Madeleine, Molly, and Viviene), nieces Jerri Quintin, Susan Vee, Kay Redding, Beth Weber, Judy Vee, Pam Calkins, and nephews Stan Vee, Steve Vee, Scott Vee, Lyn Redding, Brian Redding, and several great nieces and nephews. Francie had a long and great life that touched many people. We are especially grateful to Galdina Gandera and Team Francie: Jenny, Julian, Ashley, Ingrid, Maria, Laura, Edgar, Ophelia, Jackie, Bernice, Emmanuel, Mark, Ricky, Chad, Liliana, Brenda, Elizabeth, Zenaida, Israel and so many others who patiently and faithfully supported Francie in her later years. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am, Saturday, March 24th at the First United Methodist Church, 243 S. Broadway, in Redondo Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.