Wyn Norris at 103: A Life of Love, Service, and Strength

July 31, 2025

Centenarian Spotlight: Wyn Norris at 103

It’s not every day you meet someone who has lived to see 100 trips around the sun—let alone 103! At The Hickman, we are proud to be home to five inspiring centenarians, each with a rich story to tell.

To kick off our Centenarian Spotlight Series, we’re honored to share the story of Mrs. Winifred “Wyn” Norris, who celebrated her 103rd birthday this past Valentine’s Day.

From Jackson, PA to Japan: A Life Well Traveled

Born on February 14, 1922, in the farming town of Jackson, Pennsylvania, Wyn was raised by a teacher and instilled early on with the values of kindness and usefulness. She attended a one-room schoolhouse and grew up helping on her family’s farm.

She met her future husband, Paul Norris, in high school. After graduation, Wyn attended Keystone Junior College, while Paul pursued his military career at West Point. The couple married the day after his graduation in 1946, beginning a life of travel and service.

A Creative Spirit and a Steady Hand

During Paul’s military test pilot career, Wyn managed their many moves—from Louisiana to Arizona to Japan—and remained active in the military community. She designed and sewed frocks for officers’ wives attending formal functions, always putting her creativity to use.

Later, the couple settled in West Chester, PA, to be closer to family. Wyn devoted herself to her church and community, volunteering for decades at the First Baptist Church of West Chester and working as a secretary at Delaware Valley Community College.

The Heart of Her Family

Wyn and Paul raised three children—Leslie, Paul Jr., and Frank—and she became the steady, nurturing force through relocations and deployments. Today, Wyn is the proud matriarch of a loving family that includes seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Extraordinary Care in a Place Called Home

At 103, Wyn continues to live with grace and purpose at The Hickman, a Quaker-affiliated senior living community in West Chester, PA. We are proud to provide the care and connection that allows centenarians like Wyn to thrive.

Stay tuned as we continue our Centenarian Spotlight Series, sharing more remarkable lives and the extraordinary residents who call The Hickman home.