Norma Clara (Wright) Walker

Swanzey, NH Norma Wright Walker of Swanzey New Hampshire passed away peacefully on April 27th, 2024. Her compassion, wisdom, and her commitment to serving her community are all dearly missed by her family and the thousands of lives she touched in her 95 years with us. Norma was born on February 11th, 1929, to Mary Weston Wright and Leslie Homer Wright of Hancock NH. After graduating from Hancock High School, Norma earned a degree in Education from Keene Teachers College in 1951. Norma’s career kept her in school, working as an Elementary School Teacher for 21 classes of students. Norma returned to her alma mater, by then called Keene State College in 1972 as a Professor of Reading and Early Childhood Education. Norma finished her career as a Title I Reading Specialist at Monadnock High School from 1978 to 1985. Norma’s teaching made an impact on many of her students, who later in life would find their way back to her to share anecdotes of her influence on their lives. Norma’s dedication to the alumni of Keene State College began soon after graduating when she served as Alumni Association treasurer for ten years. At various points, she served on the alumni board, served as board president, and participated in numerous reunion committees, while becoming an alum again by earning a master's degree in 1959. Norma expanded the college’s Golden Circle Society, honoring alumni who graduated at least 50 years previously. Norma was inducted into the Society in 2001 and continued to organize hundreds of events for thousands of alums, while also writing an incalculable number of birthday and holiday cards, and providing an open inviting ear to any alum who needed it. After honors that include the Granite State Award and the Yankee Magazine Community Partners ‘Barn Raiser’ Award, Keene State honored Norma for her 70 years of service in 2019 by naming its Alumni Center function hall in her honor. Norma Walker Hall stands as a legacy of Norma's commitment to Keene State, its students, and its alumni. Norma’s other legacy is her family, whom she doted over with handmade banana bread, hand-knitted sweaters, handwritten letters, and endless support and encouragement. She is survived by her children, Jan, and Hub; Jan’s husband Court, and her children, Kyle, Ben, and Johanna; Hub’s wife Sue, and his children, Josh, Jessi, and Jocelyn. Norma’s family extended well beyond blood relations, welcoming Sue, and Court’s families as her own. Norma has seven great-grandchildren with one on the way, and many Weston and Verhey nieces, nephews, and cousins that all still somehow found regular holiday cards and birthday notes in the mail. She is predeceased by her first husband John, and second husband Ed, as well as grandchildren J.J. and Jenny. A reception honoring Norma's life will be hosted by her family on July 8th, 2024 at the Hancock NH Vestry, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Norma W. Walker ’51 Fund at Keene State College. You can donate at giving.keene.edu/donate, or by calling 603-358-2543. Norma’s fund supports graduate students who wish to take courses in reading, children’s literature, or language arts, and only furthers the legacy Norma leaves behind. The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation is assisting the family. For more log on to www.holtwoodburyfh.com

Tributes

Norma Clara (Wright) Walker

February 11, 1929 - April 27, 2024