Obituary: Norma Pocock Ashton

Norma Pocock Ashton 1939 ~ 2006 After a life lived bravely and lovingly, on July 23, 2006 Norma Pocock Ashton died at her home. Norma was born to Maurine and Ray Pocock in Rexburg, Idaho on May 29, 1939. She was gifted with a plethora of talents and a willingness to work hard. Some of her happy memories include many vocal opportunities. As an example, she was selected from a regional competition to train with the San Francisco Opera Company. She soloed a Puccini aria with a full orchestra. Over the years she taught voice lessons and inspired many people in the many choirs she conducted. In 1965 Norma was married to Calvin Ashton. They had three children ages, 3,2, and 8 months old when Calvin died of cancer in 1970. With courage, tremendous love, faith and graciousness she raised her three children, instilling a love of life and beauty. Norma could not tolerate injustice and misplaced authority and sought truth with tenacity. Her slant on the world's issues stemmed largely from being a single woman and mother with a deep belief in the wisdom and power of women. She believed that the highest authority lies in each individual and their unique connection/experience of God. She believed that all things change, and if we accept and keep taking steps forward, there is transformation. One of the biggest challenges Norma faced was a lifetime of health issues. At least a week out of every month of her adult life was spent with severe migraines. In response to a request for her attendance at a 50th class reunion, Norma wrote a week before she died, "My health makes me undependable. So whether I will be able to come to the reunion is questionable. Fibromyalgia, CLL, and chronic fatigue are syndromes that render one seemingly anti-social. I've learned to make no promises because I usually suffer intractable pain. That makes me very sad because I love to be with people, and especially my old friends. So I hope everyone understands." Norma is preceded in death by her parents, a grandchild Sophie Ashton Bradshaw and her brother Ralph Pocock. Survived by her three children Robert Ashton, Heather A. Summers, Crystal Ashton, seven grandchildren, and five siblings; Renee Graham, Ruth Wilmore, Elaine Hunter, John Pocock, and Richard Pocock. A service to celebrate Norma's life will be held on Friday, July 28 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, 569 South 1300 East, SLC.