August 24, 1926 – September 1, 2019

Norma Carole Birley was born August 24, 1926, in Chehalis, and passed away peacefully on September 1, 2019, in Kirkland.

After graduating high school, she attended the University of Washington, later marrying Walter Baron, of Onalaska, on November 17, 1944.

When Walt returned from WWII, the couple started a family in Raymond and moved north to Hoquiam, Beaver, and Forks with the timber industry.

Norma worked several years in the school superintendent and high school offices where she enjoyed being among the teenagers. She was up every morning at 4:45 to get the family off to work and school. She was a loving and patient mother who found time to sew prom dresses, play the piano and read her bible. She encouraged each child to go to college; even for just one year!

When Walt retired from ITT Rayonier, they built a home and managed timber sales on acreage purchased 20 years earlier in Hoquiam.

After 62 years of marriage, Walt passed away in 2006, and Norma moved to Kirkland, the following year to be near her daughters. Norma was preceded in death by her sister, Jean (Hilton) of Issaquah; parents, Percy H. Birley and Myrtle M. (Coleman) of Mossyrock.

She is survived by her four children, Janice (Dennis) LePonis, Linda (Howard) Woodard, Howard (Christi) Baron, and Kay (Kaysi) Baron; also five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

“Grandma Baron/Aunty Toots” was a quiet, gentle soul who we’re certain is now happy to be with her family and Jesus.