Frances Ann Norman, 72, Known as the Story Lady

Frances Ann (Branagan) Norman of Natick died on Oct. 11, following a long illness, at the home of her daughter, Sheryl E. (Sherry) Norman in Plainville surrounded by family. She was 72.

She was born in Natick the daughter of the late Vincent A. and Katherine A. (McCarthy) Branagan and was a 1949 graduate of Natick High School.

Mrs. Norman was a lifelong Natick resident who devoted her life to being a homemaker and caring for her family. She was an avid reader and for years worked as a volunteer librarian, becoming known as the story lady for telling stories to the students at the Bennett-Hemenway Elementary School which all of her children attended in Natick. For many years Mrs. Norman was a member of the reunion planning committee of her high school graduating class. Later she worked as a nanny, caring for several sets of twins and, ironically, became the grandmother of twins herself.

During the summer, Mrs. Norman spent time with family and friends at Lake Cochituate near their family home.

She is survived by two daughters, Sheryl E. Norman and husband, Richard Dankel, of Plainview; Kristen Casey and husband, Donald Casey, of Edgartown; two sons, Robert J. (Rocky) Norman, Jr. in Arizona; and S. Vincent Norman of Shrewsbury; three grandchildren, Anna Elizabeth Dankel and Robert N. (Bo) Dankel, both of Plainview; and Kiana Fay Casey of Edgartown; two sisters, Alyce Fraser of Natick; and Mary Coutu of Acton; a brother, Lawrence Branagan of Wellesley. Also, Mrs. Norman is survived by the father of her children, Robert J. Norman, Sr. of South Natick.

A memorial service in celebration of her life has tentatively been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the John Everett and Sons Memorial Home, 4 Park street, in Natick. A reception will follow. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Walpole Area Visiting Nurse Association, P.O. Box 252, Walpole, MA 02081.