Norma Patricia Lee Buxton, 84, of Owatonna, died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, in her home on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. Norma was born November 3, 1929 in Roseau, Minnesota, the daughter of Archie and Olga (Sunset) Lee. She was raised in Roseau, and later graduated from high school there. Music was always important to Norma throughout her life. In high school, she was blessed with the mentoring of two gifted, outstanding music teachers. Norma credits them with helping hundreds of students like her to find their voices and discover the magic of music. Following high school, Norma attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. She further developed her musical talents there in the choir under the direction of Paul J. Christiansen. In 1949, the choir toured Norway for six weeks performing over fifty concerts. While in Norway in a performance for the King, Norma was featured with a solo in the song Beautiful Savior. Following the tour, Norma crossed paths in Canada with a young Charles Buxton, who was traveling with his parents to a wedding for a Federated Board Member's daughter in Roseau. As it turned out, this chance meeting was the foundation for a life together. Their love blossomed, and they were united in marriage on October 21, 1950 in Roseau. The newlyweds began their journey in Owatonna where Charles was just beginning his career with Federated Insurance Company. As a U.S. Naval graduate and naval officer, he was recalled to duty in 1951 to serve two years at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Charles once again came back to Owatonna and rejoined Federated Insurance Company and ultimately became President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. Charles died in August of 2000. Norma's love for music endured as she joyfully performed with various community choirs, the Roger Tenney Chorale, Christmas music at the Arts Center with Nancy Benjamin and Friends, and Norwegian Christmas music with Norrine Jensen. She had a love for the theater as well and participated in Little Theatre productions. Among Norma's studio recordings, she created a CD of show tunes titled With Love Norma B and then later recorded a Christmas CD titled, Celebrate the Season. She performed at many charitable events and organizational fund raisers. Actively volunteering in the community, she served as the inaugural President of the Women's Club of Owatonna. She also served on many committees at Associated Church where she was also a long time member. Norma also was past member of the Owatonna Foundation Board of Trustees. For her community service, she was honored to serve as the Grand Marshall for the Owatonna High School homecoming parade. Among Norma's most beloved recognitions, she received the Golden Deeds Award and was the winner of the Community Arts Award. The Buxton family was recently the recipient of the Spirit of the Community Award given by the Owatonna Foundation in recognition of their philanthropic commitment to the Owatonna community, continual generosity, both financially and in spirit, unwavering enthusiasm and passion for making a difference in the community today and in the lives of future generations. Norma is survived by four daughters, Cindy (and Tom Eastman) Buxton of Breezy Point; Sarah (and Julie Brown) Buxton of Deephaven; Patricia (and David) DeBiasse of Lawrence, KS; Elizabeth (and Jeff) Malo of Owatonna; a son, John (and Connie) Buxton of Laramie, WY; 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; and a sister, Sonia (and Dr. John) Gisvold of Rochester. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Buxton, II (2000); a daughter, Mary Pat; a sister, Marilyn Hafdahl; and her parents. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. A celebration of Norma's life will be held Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 2:00 PM at The Associated Church with Reverend Katherine Gibson Christensen officiating. Private interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to The Associated Church, Little Theatre, Owatonna Foundation, Music Boosters, Owatonna Arts Center, Steele County United Way or donor's choice. Visitation: 10/18/2014 15:00 10/18/2014 19:00 Service: and also one hour prior to the service in the church 10/19/2014 14:00