Norma Coote

Norma, who was known for her quick smile and hearty laugh, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of family on Feb. 25, 2021.

Norma was born on Dec. 10, 1934, the second of four daughters to Ivan and Mary Lightbody. She grew up in Glasgow, Scotland spending summers and holidays in a place dear to her heart, Brodick, on the Isle of Arran. Climbing Goat Fell, fishing in Brodick Bay, and time spent with family on this island stayed with her all her life.

Norma went on to study nursing at Kings College Hospital, Camberwell, London, and Midwifery at Rottenrow Hospital, Glasgow. She was proud to have personally delivered 33 babies. It was during these years that the travel bug captured Norma. She explored areas of England and France during vacations with her girlfriends, but in 1959 broadened her horizons and traveled to Winnipeg, Canada. A second trip to the United States in 1960 proved more successful by providing the chance meeting of Englishman, Malcolm Coote, over the grave of Paul Revere. Six months later they were married making their home and starting their family in Westford, Massachusetts.

Norma and Malcolm moved to Redlands, California, for a few years but ultimately settled in Bellevue, Washington, in order to raise their three daughters. Norma instilled in her daughters the love of beach time and was a loyal follower of their swimming and running endeavors. Once the girls were old enough Norma, being the adventurous woman she was, went back to school and became a travel agent. She spent 15 years sharing her love of travel with others while at the same time exploring the world with Malcolm.

After retiring, Norma and Malcolm pulled up tent stakes and moved to Surprise, Arizona, where they spent 16 glorious years in the sun. Norma enjoyed reading, pool time and putting with girlfriends, and volunteering during her years in Arizona. In 2018 Norma and Malcolm’s final move was to Kalispell in order to be closer to family.

Regardless of where she went, Norma made friends and welcomed people into her life. You always knew Norma was near because you could smell her perfume and hear her laugh. She could liven up a party reading palms or telling a funny story and with a giggle cheat her way through a game of croquet. Put simple, she will be greatly missed.

Norma is survived by her husband, Malcolm; daughters, Alyson Olson (Ken), Debbie Ploeger (Nol) and Fiona Clauson (Marc); grandchildren, Alec, Liam, David, Olivia, Evan, Marc and Debbie; as well as countless family and friends around the world.

Caring for Norma was a family affair, but for those of us who couldn’t always be there, we are eternally grateful for daughter Debbie’s unwavering and loving care during Norma’s illness. Special thanks also goes out to Olivia at Home Options Hospice for pampering Norma and making her feel special.

The funeral Mass will be at the Risen Christ Catholic Church today, March 5, at 11 a.m.

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