Jeanne Elizabeth Norris

Jeanne Elizabeth (Case) Norris, 78, is now at rest, having passed away on February 14, 2022 at Champlain Valley Physician’s Hospital, Plattsburgh, New York, surrounded by her children. Jeanne was recently predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Charles Norris, on November 27, 2021 and she went to be with him on Valentine’s Day.
Jeanne was born on June 11, 1943 in Hartford, Connecticut to Nathan and Ena (Crocket) Case, and she graduated from high school in Springfield, Massachusetts. She worked in radio broadcasting, contributing her voice to advertising, as well as managing accounts. After a brief stint of communal living with hippies in the early 1970’s, where she met her future husband Charlie, Jeanne returned to advertising, working for NBC Hartford for many years. However, rural life called and they moved their family of two children, Craig and Joseph, to the North Country of Upstate New York in 1977. They welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth, in 1978.
In 1980 Jeanne and Charlie started the Free Trader, a free classified advertising paper, which turned out to be a good fit for the rural North Country, becoming a weekly fixture of the Malone, NY community. Jeanne became known as the Free Trader lady, a title she loved. Their son Joseph continues to run and print the paper (and website) to this day, forty-two years later. Jeanne and Charlie were justifiably proud to be successful small business owners.
Jeanne was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1992 and fought her declining mobility until the end. Despite the MS, she continued to go on walks In Constable using her walker, and practiced the art of needle felting. She was artistic in many ways, writing poems, playing music, and drawing, among others. She loved to read and write, a gift she was glad to pass down to her children and grandchildren.
Jeanne was sharp until the end, enjoying “Jeopardy” with her younger sister Maryellen via Facetime just about every night. She particularly enjoyed Amy Schnieder’s 40-day win streak and did her best to match wits with all of the contestants. Jeanne’s wish for the afterlife was that all knowledge of the universe would be bestowed upon her.
Jeanne is survived by her brothers Dexter Case, of Maine, and Roderick Case, of Ohio, and her sister Maryellen Riche, of New Jersey, as well as her three children, Craig Norris, of Shillington, Pennsylvania, married to Kathleen, grandchildren Erika and Evelyn; Joseph Norris, of Malone, New York, married to Andrea, grandchildren Charlie, Emma, and James; and Elizabeth Norris-Randa, of Peru, New York, married to Bud Randa, grandchildren Miles, Truman, and Estelle. She adored all seven of her grandchildren and their various artistic natures.
Jeanne will be missed by her family and many friends. She was kind and considerate and had a beautiful smile and a wonderful sense of whimsy. Her family wishes to thank all of those friends and family who offered support to Jeanne during her convalescence. She touched many lives. Rest easy, Jeanne, we love you.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.
The family plans a private celebration of life.