Senior reflects on service as she enters her nineties

Mary Norris has a lot to smile about.

For the past few months, she has been feted on two special occasions: her 90th birthday and being recognized as one of 50 outstanding seniors by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum.

Mrs. Norris described the experience as "a whirlwind of activity."

Big day

Mrs. Norris, a parishioner of Christ the King Church in Westmere, celebrated her birthday with her five children, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was also surprised by friends from the parish who treated her after a liturgy with an impromptu luncheon in her honor.

"It was lovely. I was surprised," she commented.

Volunteer

That commotion came several weeks after Bishop Howard J. Hubbard presented her with a certificate for her dedicated service to the community as a member of the Ladies of Charity, a volunteer group sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany.

She was recognized for her ongoing compassion, friendliness, sense of humor and volunteer work. At Christ the King, for example, she is a member of the hospitality and bereavement committees, and the Lunch Bunch, who prepare 75-100 meals a month for the outreach program at St. John/St. Ann's parish in Albany.

In addition, Mrs. Norris serves on the parish visitation committee, bringing communion to home-bound or ill parishioners and visiting with them on a weekly basis. She is also a Eucharistic minister to residents at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland.

Biography

Mrs. Norris has been involved in caring for others since childhood. Her father passed away when she was 12, and she helped raise her four siblings.

She married Benjamin Norris, whom she met in college, and became a stay-at-home mom.

"When you have five children to raise, you are busy enough each day," she said, adding that she developed a routine, which she continues to this day.

Parish life

As long-time members of Christ the King Church, Mrs. Norris said that she and her husband have always tried to be involved in ministry.

"When we first moved here, we didn't know anyone," she said. "We both loved to dance. An acquaintance suggested that Ben and I go to one of the parish-sponsored dances, which were held every month. We met many wonderful people, some of whom are still parishioners. We decided to join the parish because of those welcoming people."

Mrs. Norris began her career as a volunteer in 1963 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. She is a past member of the Albany County Medical Auxiliary and St. Peter's Hospital Auxiliary, the American Red Cross, the Blood Bank, Community Chest, Holy Names Academy, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts.

In recent years, several surgeries, including corneal transplants and back surgery, haven't slowed her down.

"I've always stayed busy, and I keep moving," she declared. "I love helping others."

(04/03/08) [[In-content Ad]]