Joann Norton died as she wished to - at home in her sleep, on April 17th at the age of 89.
Joann was born on October 17th, 1922 in Racine, Wisconsin, youngest of the large, blended family of Dominic and Anna (Sorci) Salvano. The family moved to Niles Center, Illinois for a time and returned to Racine where Joann graduated from Washington Park High School.
Joann worked as a waitress in Milwaukee and eventually made her way to San Francisco where she was also working as a waitress when she met Oregon native Harold Norton at Bob’s Steakhouse at Union Square. The pair wed in Salem, Oregon on June 8, 1946. Joann was bookkeeper for the family’s Salem-based plastering business, which continued after they relocated back to Racine in the early 1950’s. Joann joined the business office of the United Food and Commercial Workers and the Wisconsin AFL-CIO in 1965 until her retirement in 1984. Joann and her husband Harold were founding members of the Fifth Street Yacht Club in Racine and were avid boaters for many years. In 2005, Joann moved to back to Oregon to be near her son.
Joann will be remembered as a wonderful cook and for her passion for feeding people; her love of music, cards and all things Italian as well as for her fierce independence. Joann remained active and engaged until her recent illness, even hiking in the Mount Hood National Forest just last fall.
Joann is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John & Linda Norton of Welches, Oregon; her beloved canine companion Little Maggie; her dear personal assistant, Lisa Galbraith; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives & friends. Joann was preceded in death by her parents; son Dan & daughter Ann both in September 1957; husband Harold in 1995; and her fourteen brothers and sisters.
Private interment will be at West Lawn Memorial Park in Racine.
Remembrances in Joann’s name may be made to your local food bank.