DONNA NORQUIST

1943-2022

Donna Gray Norquist, was born on October 12, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri to Isabelle Gray and Donald Emanuel Norquist and died on January 7th 2022 at her home in Santa Fe. Donna is preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather Pat M. Greenwood, of Houston, Texas

During Donna’s early childhood she lived in multiple cities before settling in Houston, Texas in 1958. Donna attended The Kinkaid School where she made lifelong friends and enjoyed playing basketball. At 5 feet tall, she was an all-conference player. Donna relished her summers at Camp Lake Hubert in Minnesota, where she first developed her love of sailing and enjoyed time on the water. Donna remained close with many of her camp friends throughout her life. Donna graduated from The Kinkaid School in 1961. She earned her associates degree from Bennett College in Millbrook, New York before returning to Texas where she attended The University of Texas at Austin where she was a member Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Donna graduated from The University of Houston and pursued graduate work at Rice University where she studied photography under Geoffrey

Winningham and Lee Friedlander. Donna had a lifelong passion for photography and found comfort behind the lens of a camera. Donna was a member of the Junior League of Houston where she volunteered her time working alongside many good friends. She often reflected on the many meaningful placements she had including playing the lead role in Children’s Theater Winnie the Pooh and later serving as the editor of the news sheet.

Donna started dating

Walt in 1986 and together they moved to Evergreen Colorado and later Aspen, Colorado where she owned Uriah Heep’s store. She loved traveling all over the world and bringing treasures back to the store to share with her customers. Donna never met a stranger. She loved meeting people and had a unique way of pulling stories from them by showing them a level of kindness and compassion that was unparalleled. In 1999, Donna and Walt moved to Santa Fe New Mexico where she emersed herself in the community and the arts. She enjoyed taking classes in digital photography and bookmaking as it blended her love of art with her love of people. Her Esperanza group was an especially meaningful part of her life. Donna was a formidable opponent whether it was Nert, backgammon or bridge, but she was always a gracious winner. We imagine she has already found a bridge table in heaven and has invited Ruth Bader Ginsburg to be her partner.

While Donna had many different roles in life, she was most natural in her role as mother, a patient and generous giver of her time and love. There were many around the globe who benefitted from her natural talents in this arena.

Donna is survived by her husband of 33 years, James Walter Dickson: by her daughter Melissa Greenwood Morrow and husband Greg of Austin, Texas and their children Izzie, Val and Elliot; and by her daughter Amy Greenwood Hemingway and husband Thomas of Houston, Texas and their children James and George; her stepdaughter Amy Dickson Noland and husband Kevin of Gig Harbor, Washington and their children Nex and Eliza; and her stepson Evan Dickson and wife Bethany of Los Angeles, California, her sister Chrissie Norquist Stamey and husband Mark of Houston, Texas and their children Christopher, Harris and Elliot and their families, and the father of her children Harris Greenwood and his wife Romelia Favrot, of Johnson City Texas; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family as well as friends who were like family.

A memorial is planned for late spring or early summer for extended family and friends, the date to be determined. In lieu of flowers a donation to your favorite charity would be a meaningful way to honor her generous spirit.