Norma J. Sutter began a lengthy teaching career in one-room schoolhouses. Mrs. Sutter, whose enthusiasm for education continued into retirement, died Dec. 30 in Erie County Medical Center after a brief illness. She was 85.

A graduate of Buffalo State College, the former Norma Munger, a longtime Lockport resident, began her teaching career in one-room schoolhouses in Lockport and Angola and later taught at Buffalo School 23 and in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District. Her career advanced in the West Seneca School District, where she served as a principal and curriculum coordinator.

Mrs. Sutter completed her career as an elementary school principal on Grand Island. In retirement, she remained active at Buffalo State, where she set up the Norma Munger Sutter Award for Excellence in Student Teaching and scholarship funds. She was honored with a college Leadership Award in 1997 and the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2002.

She also supported the Salvation Army and area women's shelters, as well as Polar Bears Alive and Heifer International.

Her husband, Dr. Kenneth, a Lockport chiropractor, died in 1991. They had traveled extensively and were members of the Amherst Dance Club.

Though infirm in life later, Mrs. Sutter was able to remain at home because of support she received from her sisters Marilyn Koukal and Nancy Wenner and a group of devoted friends, Phyllis Lavelle, Ronald Crego and Jean Kiene.

Mrs. Sutter is also survived by a third sister, Sally Zierdt.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 3 in Faith United Presbyterian Church, 3150 Elmwood Ave., Town of Tonawanda.