Passing of LSA Life Member, Mary Elizabeth Norckauer

LSA Life Member H.R. “Butch” Norckauer recently informed the LSA of the passing of his aunt, Mary Elizabeth Norckauer on April 2nd at 96.  She was a LIfe Member of the LSA and a Member of the NRA.  Among her many athletic skills, several decades ago she was an active competitive shooter. Largely a pistol shooter she made the United States team and earned international medals, thus earning the title of Internationally Distinguished Shooter. As an assistant professor at LSU, she taught marksmanship including rifle, pistol and shotgun shooting. Her obituary can be read below and a news video can be seen here.

Mary Elizabeth Briggs Norckauer, a native and resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on April 2, 2021 at the age of 96. To her friends and family she was “Pud.” Mary Elizabeth had an interesting life, which touched many people and activities. She primarily considered herself an athlete and never married. She attended Dufrocq Elementary School, and graduated from both Baton Rouge High School and Louisiana State University with a Masters Degree. After college and the war she played for the Grand Rapids Chicks in the Women’s Professional Baseball League. During her first teaching assignment in Port Arthur, TX, she learned to ice skate. While Holiday on Ice was touring in Houston, TX, she auditioned and was hired by them. For 10 years she went on to skate and choreograph all around the world before coming home to Baton Rouge. On her return she took a teaching position at Louisiana State University where she taught a wide variety of sports. For over three decades she taught everything from dance to skating to shooting (archery, rifle, pistol & shotgun) to fencing and survival, to name a few. She was the founder of the LSU Golden Girls and choreographed them for most of their first decade. During these years her personal shooting accomplishments placed her on the United States of America Shooting Team where she traveled internationally and earned the rank of Internationally Distinguished Shooter. In her senior years she focused on track and field and not only did she win, but she set many age group National and World Records in running, jumping and throwing events. She also participated in not so athletic activities like the Baton Rouge Little Theater. And, she supported many philanthropic activities. Whatever she focused on she practiced and trained to be the best. She was a great instructor, athlete, aunt and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents William Henry and Vida Gertrude McAtee Norckauer, and her brother Heber Regal Norckauer (Joyce). She is survived by her niece Christine Ann Norckauer Carroza (John) and nephews William Henry “Bill” Norckauer and Heber Regal “Butch” Norckauer, Jr. (Sheila) and their numerous children and grandchildren.  Mary Elizabeth donated to a wide range of charities and the family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made in her name to your charity of choice.