Elizabeth A Norris

Liz Norris, 71, died peacefully on May 9, 2024 at Hope West Hospice Care Center with family and friends by her side. She was proud of her Native American heritage, as her grandmother was full blooded Apache and grandfather was full blooded Iroquois.   

Liz was strong, determined and creative. During her life, she ran in 104 marathons, and often took the opportunity to join the kids in youth marathons.  She once participated in a 5K race in downtown Grand Junction with a broken leg.  She had run this race many times before and was not going to let a broken leg hinder her involvement.  She completed the event in a wheelchair while other runners took turns pushing her. 

Many people may not have known Liz personally, but remember seeing her riding her bike (her only means of transportation) with her guitar strapped to her back. She was never deterred by the weather. Even right after her chemo treatments,  she would keep her many commitments. When Liz participated in workshops and forums, she was a crusader for inclusivity and an inspiration to others.  Upon achieving her doctorate degree, she wrote her dissertation on chemical imbalances in the brain and implications on mental illness.  

She was a singer, writer, artist and an accomplished musician who composed her own music, and also played the flute and violin.  As a young girl, Liz was the featured soloist playing Rhapsody in Blue with an adult orchestra. She had sung under the direction of  Dr. Monte Atkinson in the Western Colorado Chorale.  Liz regularly sang and played her guitar at the Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen and she sang in the choirs at two churches. Liz was fluent in 5 languages and would sing in Spanish at St. Joseph Catholic Church and several languages at the Unitarian Universalist Church.  A benevolent soul, during holiday seasons, Liz would sing and ring the bell for Salvation Army Red Kettle donations in front of various supermarkets. 

Liz had a way of livening up a room and encouraging others to find fun in the little things in life. She always felt that God is Love, never punitive, and Jesus was an example of how to live in love. Liz loved the Unitarian Universalist Seven Principles and the acceptance she felt within the UU congregation. 

Liz is survived by her brother, Danny Norris of Grand Junction and was loved and appreciated by many friends. 

A Memorial Service in honor of Liz will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley, 536 Ouray Ave. in Grand Junction, CO.