A 24-year-old woman from Belmont, Michigan, died peacefully on Ascension Sunday, May 17, 2026. Sophia Anne Norton was born in Grand Rapids on April 22, 2002. She was a student studying aviation at Western Michigan University.
Her sudden departure has left a profound void in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. Those closest to her remember a young woman of deep faith, quiet determination, and abundant love.
Norton was homeschooled through Seton Home Study School before pursuing her college education. She lived in Belmont surrounded by a large and loving family. She was the daughter of Paul and Laura Norton (Prokop).
Her siblings include Luke, Frank, Justin, Austin, Peter, Gabrielle, Felicity, and Mary. She also brought joy to her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She lived over four years with a traumatic brain injury and was lovingly cared for by her family.
Norton was a devout member of Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church. She attended Mass faithfully, participated in the Sacraments, and spent time in Adoration. She served as a godmother and Confirmation sponsor.
In 2020, she attended the March for Life in Washington, D.C. She had a deep love for Jesus and actively shared that love with others. She enjoyed travel and visited Europe, where she toured churches, saw the Vatican, and met Pope Francis.
Norton played soccer, met the Dortmund team, and was an avid runner who completed a half marathon. Her passion for learning and exploration reflected a bright and curious mind that embraced life with purpose. She was studying aviation at Western Michigan University at the time of her passing. No cause of death beyond her TBI history has been publicly released.
The Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford will have a visitation on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by a rosary at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, May 23, visitors can stay at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church in Rockford from 11:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. The burial will take place at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Saint John Vianney Seminary may receive memorial donations.
Norton was 24 years old. She was a WMU aviation student, a devout Catholic, and a survivor of a traumatic brain injury who lived fully despite her challenges. Those are the details her loved ones are sharing as they mourn. The family has requested privacy. Anyone wishing to honor her memory may attend the visitation or funeral services or make a memorial contribution to Saint John Vianney Seminary.
