Wanda Yvonne Norris Garren, age 62

Wanda Yvonne Norris Garren, age 62, of Rutherfordton, passed away September 3, 2012. 

 She was born March 24, 1950 to the late Frank Norris and Margaret Helen Atkins Norris of Asheville, NC.She attended Sand Hill Elementary School and was a graduate of Enka High School, Class of 1968, ranking third in her class. She went on to receive her B.S. degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Math and graduated summa cum laude from Appalachian State University. She then earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Reading, also at ASU. 

Wanda worked in the public school system for 29 years at elementary, middle, and high school levels. She also tutored in her home and taught college courses, pre-school, and also within the prison system. She was a leader and member of La Leche League, acting as a lactation consultant to local physicians and guiding countless mothers through the process of learning to breastfeed their children. She organized a Brownie Girl Scout Troop which she led for several years with her husband and was active in several PTOs.She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Jim Garren, and her four girls: Melody Garren of Los Angeles, CA; Heather Garren LaBreche of Cary, NC; Allison Garren and Joanna Garren, both of Rutherfordton. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Matthew LaBreche and two grandchildren, Samantha and Alexander LaBreche of Cary, NC; siblings, brother Alan Norris (and sister-in-law Robin Norris) of Asheville, NC; brother Gary Norris of Leicester, NC; sister Karen Griffin of Asheville, NC and many extended family members.

A memorial service honoring her life was held at the Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church. 

Crowe’s Mortuary is serving the Garren Family.