Lorraine Joyce Overton died peacefully at Enloe Medical Center in Chico on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024. She was born in Corning to Ernesto and Velma Salvagno on November 28, 1944.
She grew up in Orland. From her earliest years, she radiated warmth and kindness, traits that would come to define her entire life.
After completing school in Orland, she met the love of her life, Patrick Overton. The two married on November 3, 1962, beginning a journey of love and partnership that spanned an incredible 62 years.
For Lorraine, marriage was not just a union, it was a sacred bond. She and Pat built their life hand in hand, raising four boys who would become the center of her world.
As a mother, she was tender, armed with a quick wit, a sharp eye, and occasionally, a wooden spoon. Her sons – Shawn, Shane, Shad, and Shay – were her pride and joy. Their accomplishments, their families, and their happiness were the truest reflections of her life’s work.
While her love for her family was boundless, her heart extended far beyond the walls of her home. A lifelong servant to others, her faith and compassion drove her to dedicate countless hours to the community and her church.
She was an active member of the Catholic Ladies Relief Society in Chico, holding numerous offices both locally and at the Sacramento Diocese level. Her service was not simply a duty, it was a calling she embraced wholeheartedly.
She found deep fulfillment in her work, always ready to lend a hand, offer comfort, or lead with grace and humility.
In addition to her work with the church, she was a vibrant presence in the Forest Ranch community. She was a proud member of the Forest Ranch Women’s Club, a spirited participant in the Red Hat Society, and a guiding force in the Forest Ranch Community Association.
Lorraine and Pat spent many joyful evenings square dancing, and Lorraine found great joy in teaching religious education and mentoring engaged couples alongside Pat through the Engaged Encounter program in Fresno. She was a woman who thrived in the company of others and cherished every opportunity to bring people together.
Her greatest joy, however, remained in the simple moments: family gatherings, grandchildren’s laughter, and the cherished memories created at the dinner table. Her love stretched across generations, and her legacy lives on in her 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, each carrying a piece of her boundless affection and strength.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Pat; sons Shawn (Cecelia), Shane (Theresa), Shad, and Shay (Maynao); brother Arthur (Margaret) Salvagno; and sister Linda (Dennis) Hoffman. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, William Salvagno.
A viewing is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, at the Sweet-Olsen Family Chapel at 825 A Street, Orland, with a Rosary to be recited at 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass is set for celebration at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 10, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 822 A Street, Orland.
Burial is planned to take place at the Orland Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations be made to the new Enloe Cancer Center as a tribute to Lorraine’s generous spirit and desire to uplift others.
“Lorraine’s life was a testament to love and faith,” agree her loved ones. “Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.”
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet-Olsen Family Mortuary of Orland.
The Glenn County Observer 