Lynne R. Norris

Mary (“Lynne”) Rand Norris, 80, passed away on January 31, 2025 after a lengthy journey with early onset Parkinson’s disease.

Born on April 9, 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Lynne was the daughter of the late Stewart Delano Rand and the late Mary Condo Rand. She was raised in Ingomar and was a 1962 graduate of North Allegheny High School. She then attended Westminster College in New Wilmington for two years as a music major and member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority. After leaving Westminster, Lynne took evening classes at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Throughout her adult life, Lynne held a variety of positions. For nine years, she was employed as the director, curriculum writer, and head nursery school teacher at Level Green Preschool in Level Green. She then went on to develop Christian education programs at the following churches: Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Export, Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church in Murrysville, Trinity Methodist Church in Brackenridge, and Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Monroeville. After moving from Level Green to Ligonier, Lynne became the co-owner of Harrowsgate, Ltd., a small antiques shop in Ligonier. After that endeavor, she worked as a bridal consultant at Sister’s II Bridal Shop in Greensburg, as a retail associate at Springhill Country Furniture and Gifts in Greensburg, and as a retail associate at The Frame Place in Ligonier.

From her mid-fifties on, Lynne battled Parkinson’s and spent most of her time at home with Roger, her devoted husband of 42 years. She deeply loved her two daughters, Jamie and Laurie. Lynne will also be remembered for her absolute devotion to her animals. She had a penchant for taking in cats that needed a home: Butterscotch, Kitty, Sneakers, and Connie. She adored all of her dogs: Honey, Molly, Chessie, Baker, and Lilly.

Lynne is survived by her husband, Roger L. Norris, of Ligonier; her daughter Jamie Lee Shaw and son-in-law William Alan Shaw of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina; and her daughter Laurie Ann Swift and son-in-law Louis Nellas of Pittsburgh. She was also close to her first cousin, the late Ruth Sibel Bierer, as well as Ruth’s husband, the late William E. Bierer. Ruth’s daughter, Nan Coil, and her family were also dear to Lynne’s heart.

Memorial contributions may be made to Action for Animals Humane Society in Latrobe, Pennsylvania or The Michael J. Fox Foundation in Hagerstown, Maryland. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11 am at The Fort Palmer Presbyterian Church in Bolivar, Pennsylvania with the Reverend Dr. J. Paul McCracken officiating. A private burial ceremony will be held at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania. McCabe Funeral Home, 144 East Main Street, Ligonier is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to www.mccabefuneralhomespa.com.