Norma Carrott

Norma L. Carrott, 87, died on March 17, 2014 due to an aggressive cancer. She loved her Irish heritage and celebrated with corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread the day before her death. Norma was born to Ralph and Mary Boyle on July 24, 1926 in Willard, Ohio. She graduated from Willard High School in 1944 as class valedictorian. She attended Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, graduating cum laude in 1948 with a degree in Music Education and piano performance. She met her husband, John, at Baldwin-Wallace and they were married on August 5, 1948. While teaching school and raising her children, Norma completed a Master's degree in Education at Northern Illinois University in 1975 with a specialty in Special Education. Norma and John lived in many states during their marriage but ultimately relocated to Alexandria, Minnesota in 1990. Norma was an active volunteer at the Douglas County Library, and was a member of Women's Club. She met regularly with the "Dollar Store Widows" to laugh and enjoy life. Norma is survived by her son Greg Carrott (wife Marina), and daughters Ann Carrott (husband Jim Odden) and Jane Van Auken (husband Michael); five grandchildren - James Carrott, Elizabeth Minnigh (husband George), Jessica Schaetz(husband Ryan), Benjamin Van Auken and Mark Odden; and, four great grandchilden - Amelia, Beatrix, Eloise and Charlotte. Norma's passions were her family, teaching, music, reading murder mysteries, Duluth trips and the Minnesota Twins. She will be remembered for touching many lives and for her incredible pecan pie! Visitation will be at the Anderson Funeral Home on March 29, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.. A family service will be held on Memorial Day weekend at Fort Snelling Cemetery. Memorials should be to the Douglas County Library, Hospice of Douglas County or the Cancer Society. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.