Jacqueline Norton, 51, a life-long resident of Worcester, passed suddenly on April 19th, at the UMass-Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness.

Jacqueline, an active community leader and champion for the disabled of Worcester is the sister of the late Ronald E. Norton and Colleen Norton of Worcester; Lorrie and Tom Heller of Stoneham, MA and June and Kim Norton of Canada. She also leaves nieces Megan Norton, Briana and Tia DeVincenzo, and Shakira Norton, and her beloved cats Oreo and Cookie.

Jacqueline, an avid animal lover and community activist served as secretary for the Commission for Disabled Citizens. As an epileptic, Jacqueline understood the needs of disabled citizens and worked tirelessly to develop and promote programs to address citizens needs.

Calling hours are 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 22nd, at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. A celebration of Jacqueline’s life will take place on Thursday, April 23rd with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1212 Main St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.