Margaret 'Peggy' (Harold) Norton of Ashland peacefully passed away Sunday September 5, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Waltham, she was the daughter of the late Blanche (Hayes) and James Harold. She was the wife of the late Joseph Norton.

After her father passed away when she was 2 years old, Peggy and her older sister Mary were raised by their single mother, older brother Paul and a village of loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Peggy graduated from both the St Charles Schools system in Waltham and St Margaret's School of Nursing in Dorchester. Peggy and Joe were grade school sweethearts and were married for 66 years. They had a strong faith and were actively involved with the church throughout their lives. Peggy was a Registered Nurse for several years before retiring to raise her family.

Peggy was truly a treasure. She lived a life of humility and compassion. Throughout her life, she cared for many family members and friends who had fallen ill. She would always happily put other's needs before her own. She had a heart of gold. She also had a gentle, self-deprecating sense of humor and was a master of idioms.

Her life was centered on her family. Her nursing skills were put to use bringing her children through various ailments and countless skinned knees. A typical Sunday in Peggy's home would see her putting a boiled dinner on the stove to cook while the family went to mass. Holidays were always a special time. She would bring out decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve and St Patrick's day. The decorations were always meticulously returned to storage until needed again the following year. Thanksgiving and Christmas meals were always amazing. The variety and quantity of food grew over the years as the family expanded. She was very proud of all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She lovingly chronicled every family member's academic, athletic and extracurricular activity in volumes of scrapbooks filled with newspaper clippings, report cards, photos and any memento she could find.

Wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all as she joins Dad (Papa, Papa Two) in eternity. Her family fondly remembers one Christmas Eve when she taught us the words to Silent Night. Sleep in heavenly peace, Mom, Nannie, GG. Sleep in heavenly peace.

Peggy is survived by her son Joe (Angela) Norton, son Jim (Jane) Norton, daughter Mary (Nick) Rediess, son Jeff (Karen) Norton and son Mike Norton. She was the loving grandmother to 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and her cherished granddog Copper.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday Sept. 9 ^th at 9:00am in St. Cecilia's Parish, 54 Esty St. Ashland, MA with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.  Calling hours will be held Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. Ashland, MA. In lieu of flowers the Norton family kindly asks that you make donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington DC 20090-1891 www.mataresefuneral.com