Virginia Exton

Virginia “Vini” Norris Exton, 72, passed away at home in Mesa, Colorado, on September 29th, 2021 after an 11-month journey with cholangiocarcinoma. Vini was born in Hartford, CT on May 10, 1949, the eldest of three daughters to Barbara Coffin and Howard Everett Norris. She graduated from the Chaffee School in Windsor, CT in 1967, went on to receive her BA in English from Skidmore College in 1971, her MA from Stanford University in 1972, and her Ed.D from Utah State University in 2008.

Vini spent her career as a beloved teacher and professor who was known for her quick wit, hamminess, and ability to connect with and teach students from all walks of life.  Vini was an exceptional outdoorswoman and athlete. She was involved with various sports throughout her life, and when she was not receiving medals and breaking records for her athletic prowess, she was often found enjoying the mountains or paddling down a river. A former Instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School, the outdoors was Vini’s church.

The only things more important to Vini than the outdoors and her career were her family and friends. She was a devoted friend, and a wonderful daughter, sister, mother, and Grammy. She will be greatly missed by the many loved ones she leaves behind.

Vini is preceded in death by her mother, Barbara, her father, Howard, and her younger sister, Emily Norris. She is survived by her youngest sister, Dedo (Jim) Norris, son, Josh (Marie) Merrill-Exton, daughter, Bailey (AJ) Exton, and grandchildren, Sage and Willow Merrill-Exton, and Taygen and Dalton Reitz.

Vini’s family would like to thank HopeWest Hospice for their loving care during Vini’s final days.

Memorial Services are planned for May of 2022 in Mesa, CO and in the Tetons. If you would like to make a donation in Vini’s honor, please consider donating to:

NOLS Scholarship Foundation

By Link: https://nols.edu/en/portal/alumni/giving/

By Mail:

NOLS Fund

284 Lincoln St.,

Lander, WY 82520

Please indicate donation in memory of Virginia Norris Exton

OR

Loomis Chaffee - Norris Teaching Environment Fund

By Link - https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/21129/donations/new

By Mail:

The Loomis Chaffee School

c/o Alumni/Development

4 Batchelder Rd.

Windsor, CT 06095

Please indicate donation to the Norris Fund and in memory of Vini