Janet Norton

Janet M “Shiny” Norton passed away on December 2nd, 2022, in her home in Ft. Myers FL, from complications of old age. Janet was Born on June 18th, 1925, in Cincinnati, OH to Christian and Anne Koehler. She was the middle child of five girls, Mary, Ruth, Lois, and Teresa Koehler were her siblings.
Janet attended St Jerome grade school and St. Joseph Academy High School. Shortly after World War II Janet married her childhood sweetheart Jerome H “Jerry” Norton.” Like so many couples of that era they began a business and family, thrilled that the war was over and free to pursue their dreams.
Janet enjoyed golf, cooking and entertaining. She was well known for her parties. Janet prided herself on preparing and cooking all of her appetizers, main courses’, and desserts. She was the consummate hostess who made every guest feel welcome and special.

Jerry and Janet moved to Ft. Myers, Fl in 1974 and became members of St Cecilia’s Catholic Church. Janet was known for her generosity, particularly to the Smile Train, St Thomas More Catholic Church in Cincinnati, and numerous other charities.

Janet follows her husband, Jerry who passed away in 1996 and her son Denny who died from complications from surgery in 1955. She is survived by her four children, Tom and his wife Michele Norton; Eileen “Pidge” and her husband John Marinelli; her son Dan and his spouse Carolyn Norton; and her daughter Nancy and her husband John Toggweiler.

Janet Norton is survived by nine grandchildren: Michael Norton and Stacy Norton Keyes; Brian and Mark Marinelli; Stephanie Norton Cizinsky and Kevin Norton; Casey, Sean, and Craig Toggweiler. Janet is also survived by nine great grandchildren: Keenan and Ben Norton; Avery, Haven, and Rowan Keyes; Jack, Charli, and JoLee Norton; Cameron Toggweiler.

Janet Norton lived a long and successful life. She woke every morning with a long list of things to do. She delighted in taking on a full day with energy and enthusiasm and a cool beverage at the end of the day. Janet leaves behind a legacy of hard work, boundless energy, generosity, good cheer, and unselfish devotion to family.


A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday December 10th, 11:00am, at St Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Ft. Myers Florida followed by, of course, a big party. Because, as Janet would say ”if you’re not having fun its your own darn fault!”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice of Fort Myers and/or Smile Train, PO Box 96246, Washington D.C. 20090-6246.

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