Elizabeth “Liz” Norton, 73, of Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025. Liz spent nearly her entire life in the Batavia area, where she was known for her warm hugs, bright smile, and her remarkable gift for making everyone she spoke with feel truly special.
She graduated from Pembroke High School in 1969 and later built a long and fulfilling career as a Library Clerk at Genesee Community College. It was a role that fit her perfectly—she loved books and magazines and always had something new to read. Her quiet evenings at home wrapped in a blanket with a good book were some of her happiest moments.
Liz had a deep appreciation for her family history and took great pride in preserving it. Her passion project, the Arnold Family Tree book, was something she poured her heart into—researching and compiling stories and lineage to preserve the legacy of her loved ones. For her, family meant everything, and this project was one of the many ways she showed her love.
She found joy in the simple things: the warmth of the sun on her back while mowing the lawn, where her troubles seemed to melt away; visits and laughter with her sisters and lifelong friends; and, most of all, yearly visits with her daughter and grandson in Phoenix, Arizona, who held the most special place in her heart.
Liz was predeceased by her parents, George M. and Clara (Brightenfield) Arnold; her brothers, George W. Arnold and Charles Arnold; and her brother-in-law, Bob Smart (husband of Cathy). She is survived by her daughter, Krista Norton (partner Bill), and her grandson, Devon Foglesong. She is also survived by her sisters, Cathy Smart and Carol Beideck (husband Ed); her brother, Edward Arnold (wife Daryln); her sisters-in-law, Marlene Arnold (wife of the late George W. Arnold) and Fran Arnold (wife of the late Charles Arnold); and many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main Street Corfu, NY. Visiting hours will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, with the service beginning at 4:00 PM.
In keeping with Liz’s wishes, memorial donations may be made to HomeCare & Hospice of Batavia, NY, whose support meant so much to her and her family.
