Kathleen Marie "Kathy" Norris
June 29, 1946 ~ July 4, 2025
Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Rush Norris, 79, of Hollywood, MD, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, in Leonardtown.
Born on June 29, 1946, in Madison, SD, she was the daughter of William Gordon Rush and Mildred Evelyn Peterson Rush. She married Raymond Norris at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Madison, SD on June 15, 1968, and they recently celebrated 57 years of marriage. She was the mother of Teresa Jones (Steve) of Hollywood, MD, Jennifer Viverette (Chris) of Lewes, DE, and Erin Eastburn (Doug) of Mechanicsville, MD. Kathleen was the sister of Betty Bauman (Ken), JoAnne Rounds (Craig), Bill Rush, and Patty Reistroffer. She is survived by eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Kathleen was proceeded in death by her parents and brother, Tom.
Kathleen graduated from Madison High School in 1964. She attended Mount Marty College and Black Hills State College. Kathleen moved to Hollywood, MD in 1968 and has been a resident of St. Mary’s County for 57 years. She began her teaching career at St. Mary’s Academy in 1977. She started at St. Mary’s Ryken High School in 1981 and retired in 2001. Kathleen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She expressed her love by crocheting blankets and making her famous peanut brittle. Kathleen was kindhearted and always put others before herself. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with prayers recited at 7:00 PM, in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM, in St. John’s Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD, with Fr. Raymond Schmidt officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Matthew Eastburn, Lyndsey Jones, Taylor Staley, Blake Jones, Rachel Eastburn, Abby Norris, Carly Eastburn, and Ava Viverette. Honorary pallbearers are her Best Friends: Sue Abell, Marcia Bald, Gigi Norris, Mary Ann Rymer, Joan Thompson, and Evelyn Wood.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children’s National Medical Center, Washington D.C., Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department, or The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Staten Island, NY.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.





Our sincere condolences to the entire Norris Family. Kathy was such a light of sunshine! God Bless you all.
Fred and Diana (Huntt) McConnell.
My heart and prayers go out to all of Kathy’s loving family members and host of friends who have watched her battle her health problems for such a long time. She is at rest now but she leaves behind so many who will miss her presence for years to come. She was a teacher, a Wife, a Mother, and a great friend to so many. She has left an indelable mark on this earth during her life’s journey, and will be sorely missed. Fly high Kathy and breath freely. I am sure God will great you and say “job well done, my good and faithful daughter”. Audrey Mosher
Kathy really prepared her students for their future and was such a friend to all she met. Our time at St. Mary’s Academy and St. Mary Ryken have so many fond memories. I thank her family for sharing her with us.
Sr. Brenda Gonzales, SCN
I am so sorry for you loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family. She was one of my favorite teachers at SMR. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. May she rest in peace.
Rest in peace my dear friend. We were best friends for 55 years. You have been a wonderful part of my life and I treasure all the memories. I know you are by my side. I am happy you are no longer in pain. Love and Hugs, Mary Ann
Ray, Teresa, Jennifer, Erin and Family Our thoughts and prayers are being sent to all. Kathy has made a difference in so many lives. I’m grateful to have been a friend of her’s and shared so many memories. RIP Kathy
Dear Ray, Teresa, Jennifer, Erin and family – we’re so sorry to hear about Kathy. Thinking of you all and sending out love and sympathy – Tism and Alan Blackwell
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family. During my time at SMR Mrs. Norris was kind, patient and so very supportive. We would often have after class discussions about the future and 5 year goals. Not all teachers had time for that. She was one of the best at offering guidance. Betty Cumbow-McDonald
Ray, Teresa, Jenny , Erin and all Kathy’s Family
Our most sincere condolence on the great loss of Kathy. She was an awesome lady and dear, dear friend. Kathy will be so missed not only our family , so many families she touched. Through the many years we have shared heartache and so much fun and laughter. The happy times shared with Kathy are so numerous you can’t imagine. I will cherish so many happy times with her and will treasure each one . Go get your angel wings my friend and join you family and friends who are there to greet you. God speed ! Ray you and the girls remember all your special moments and all your many memories. God bless you all ! Love you
Wayne and Joan
I remember Mrs. Norris so fondly. She taught me typing at St. Mary’s Academy. She was a wonderful, kind hearted lady. My condolences to her family. You have a true angel watching over you now. Rest in Peace Mrs. Norris.
Connie (Norris) Frank
Ray and family, Junior and I send our deepest sympathies to you. We wish you peace to bring you comfort, the courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories of Kathy to forever hold in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Aunt Kathy will be greatly missed. What a beautiful legacy she has left behind. So sorry for your loss.
She will always be Mrs. Norris to me as she taught me at the Academy – she taught me how to type! Just loved her. We are so sorry to hear that this wonderful woman is gone and our thoughts and prayers are with her family. God bless you, Mrs. Norris!
Wanda and Tony Norris
I know Aunt Kathy’s kind and loving presence will be dearly missed. Wishing your whole family peace and comfort during this time.
Ray and family, Linda and I send our condolences. Kathy was a wonderful person and loved by all. She will be missed.
Sam and Linda Schrader
Sandy and I are heartbroken for Ray, their daughters, and the rest of the family to hear of Kathleen’s passing. She was a beautiful and sweet lady. I know that all of her friends will miss her dearly.