Novia Norton

Novia Lynn Peterson Norton, 74, of Shippensburg, departed this life on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at the Church of God Home, Carlisle.
Novia was born November 28, 1936 in Highland Park, Michigan. She was a daughter of the late Arnold W. and Miriam C. Johnson Peterson.
She was a graduate of Southfield High School in Michigan; she received her Associate of Arts Degree from North Park College and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University.
Novia was a member of Messiah United Methodist Church in Shippensburg and their Good Samaritan Sunday school Class. She also taught the Women’s Bible Class as well as several Disciple Bible Study groups. Novia was a member of the Civic Club of Shippensburg, the Historical Society of Shippensburg, the Shippensburg College Club, and Ship Mates (SU Faculty Wives).
She was a stay at home mom, caring for two natural children and twenty-two foster children. Novia was active in her community being one of the founders of the Shippensburg Meals on Wheels Program. She was recognized for her community work by Rotary International when she was named as a Paul Harris Fellow.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, The Rev. Dr. Francis H. Norton of Shippensburg, two daughters; Victoria N. Perkins and her husband David of Shippensburg, and Michelle N. Zimmerman and her husband Rudolph of York, four grandchildren; Laura M. Dayok of Shippensburg, Andrew W. Perkins of Pittsburgh, Daniel J. Zimmerman and Michael D. Zimmerman of York.
In addition to her parents Novia was preceded in death by her brother, The Rev. Wayne W. Peterson.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 11 a.m. in Messiah United Methodist Church, Shippensburg. Officiating will be The Rev. L. Fitzgerald Reist. Graveside services will be held privately in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services in church on Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Messiah United Methodist Church, 30 South Penn Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257 or the Church of God Home, 801 North Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.