Rebecca J.

Byers-Norton

Rebecca Jane Byers Norton passed away peacefully at home among family on June 3, 2021 in Golden, Colorado. She was 64 years old.

Becca was born on December 15, 1956 in Boulder, Colorado to Charles and Mary Jane Byers. She was the 3rd child of 4. She graduated from Fairview High School in 1975 . On December 15, 1982 she married Ken Norton in Denver, Colorado. Together they had two sons, Michael and Zachary. She resided in Colorado her whole life.

Becca worked for Denver Public Schools as Bookkeeper at Steck Elementary, Hill Middle School, and Place Middle School, now known as Bridge Academy. In addition, she worked as an office assistant, secretary, and paraprofessional support. She loved working with children with disabilities and began a long time relationship with Colorado Special Olympics, beginning with being a partner for the ski team. Her family soon became involved and they partnered with both the Special Olympics and Denver Parks and Rec's special needs program. They coached softball, bowling, and basketball teams, usually  forming them from the "benchwarmers" of other teams, in order that these athletes be able to play. These teams ended up excelling, often taking the Colorado State Championships.

She was a very spiritual person. Her Christian background led her toward her love of children. She loved many eastern religions as well as the power of meditation, studying the Swami Muktananda's literature, and going to places like the Mother Cabrini shrine to soak its spiritual essence. She was an empath in the true nature of the word.

Becca had a love for animals, especially difficult dogs and stray cats. Her childhood passion was goats with which she won several blue ribbons in 4H. She also won First Place for her snickerdoodle recipe at the Colorado State Fair. Becca loved good cooking (and was blessed to be married to a cook), grilling green chilies, meteor showers, picking the pears off of the tree in their garden, good music, and South Park episodes.

Rebecca was best known for her beautiful, clear blue eyes, her lion mane of curly blond hair, embracing smile, empathic sense, and her wickedly dry sense of humor. Her biggest love and passion in her life was her family, especially her husband, Ken, and sons, Mike and Zach. They always were first in her thoughts.

She was loved and adored by so many. Although we are thankful that she is free of pain, all who knew Rebecca feel in our hearts the immense loss of her passing.

Rebecca is survived by her husband, Kenneth Douglas Norton, sons Michael Charles Byers Norton and Zachary Douglas Byers Norton as well as her brother, Timothy J Byers, and Mary "Mardi" Byers, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Her parents, Charles A Byers and Mary Jane Byers as well as her brother, Jeffery Byers preceded her in death.

To plant a tree Rebecca's name go to: Arbor Day Foundation