Norman O. Stevens

Norman O. Stevens passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2015 at the age of 82. He was born on June 29, 1933 in Proctor, VT the son of Grace (Annis) and Elliott Stevens of Pittsford,VT. The family lived in Roscoe, NY, before moving to Pittsford in 1945. Mr. Stevens attended the one room Goodnough School in Pittsford and graduated from Pittsford-Barstow High School in 1951, graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education in 1955 and received a Masters in Educational Administration from Keene State College in 1970.He taught one year at Whitingham High School and then served two years in the United States Army. He married Stella Allen on June 7, 1958 in Jacksonville. They lived in Chelsea where he taught Vocational Agriculture and a variety of sciences. In 1964, he taught at the Chester High School and was Principal of Chester High School in the last five months of the school. In 1970, he moved to the new Green Mountain Union High School as Assistant Principal and was appointed Principal from 1974-1983. In 1983, they moved to Rutland Town where he served as Housemaster at Mill River Union High School in the ten years prior to his retirement in 1993. His last 23 years at Green Mountain and Mill River were the source of many fond memories and many true friends. He was on the Executive Council, and then served as Vice President and President of the Vermont Headmasters' Association between 1976 and 1982. He also served as New England Representative to the National Association for Secondary School Principals from 1983 to 1986. He was selected as Vermont Principal of the year in 1984 by the Vermont Headmasters' Association. On May 2012, he was inducted into the Vermont Principal's Association Hall of Fame; an honor that pleased him deeply.He retired to Jacksonville in 1993. He joined Unity Lodge #89 of Free and Accepted Masons. He served six years as a member of the Whitingham Selectboard. He loved his family and was fortunate to have them located within a short distance from Whitingham. Attending birthdays, gathering on holidays or attending events in which his grandchildren participated were particularly rewarding. He also enjoyed gardening, maintaining the property and cutting wood for winter. An avid Patriot, Red Sox and Celtic fan, he enjoyed the time watching them on TV. He also became an avid mystery fan enjoying the works of Archer Mayor in particular. His is survived by his wife, Stella, of 57 years. A son, Michael, of Jacksonville and his wife Robin and grandchildren, Heath and Paige. Three daughters: Pamela Grimard of Turners Falls, MA and her husband Kevin and grandchildren, Jason, Megan and Lauren; Debra Avison of Bondville and her husband Steve and grandchildren, Kristin and Sara; Cheryl Hammond of Ludlow and her husband Wayne and grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Alicia and Emily. He has one great-granddaughter Lauren. He leaves his brother Elliott and wife Elizabeth of Rutland, VT. He is survived by several nephews and nieces. He is pre-deceased by his sister Eleanor Rawson of Greenfield, MA and Marilyn Stewart of FL.There will be no calling hours. Friends and Family are welcome to stop by his home. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 8 at the Jacksonville Community Church at 2 PM. Those wishing to contribute in lieu of flowers may give to the Jacksonville Community Church, P.O. Box 247, Jacksonville, VT 05342 or the Guy Hawkins Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 175 Wilmington, VT 05363. There will be no calling hours. Friends and Family are welcome to stop by his home. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 8 at the Jacksonville Community Church at 2 PM.