Mrs. Norma Ida Salvetti

November 1, 1920 - December 25, 2014 NORMA IDA SALVETTI With her three loving daughters at her bedside, Norma Ida Salvetti passed away in her home on Thursday evening, December 25, 2014, after several months of ill health. Norma was 94 years of age. She was born on November 1, 1920, in Wadsworth, Nevada, to Raffaelo and Elisa Volpi, who immigrated from Italy. She was the older of two daughters. As a child, she lived in many different places as her father, a foreman for Southern Pacific Railroad, was transferred to new locations in Nevada and California. She spent her growing-up years living in and attending schools in numerous cities. When her father was transferred to and settled in Pleasanton, California, Norma ultimately considered Pleasanton her home. She graduated with high honors from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton. While she lived briefly in Stockton, she met “the love of her life”, Frank Salvetti. Their meeting in 1935 was the beginning of a 71-year love affair. After a few years of Frank’s driving between Stockton and Pleasanton to see Norma and their exchanging lengthy love letters, Norma and Frank were married on September 1, 1940, in Pleasanton. They were inseparable and happily married for over 65 years until his death in May, 2006. Following her marriage, Norma spent the rest of her entire life in Stockton. She began married life on Miner Avenue, at the time an Italian community. In 1953, Frank and Norma built their dream home near UOP where she lived until her death. Norma was a loving, caring, devoted mother to her daughters Doris Grilliot, Frances Bozzano, and Janet Salvetti (all of Stockton); mother-in-law to Gerald Grilliot and Richard Bozzano. Norma was “Nonni” to five grandchildren: Lisa (Tom) Schletewitz, Lino Bozzano, Regina (Shane) Woods, Andrea Reed, Anthony Bozzano; and “Nonni Norma” to six great-grandchildren: Laura and Thomas Schletewitz, Paige and Zachary Reed, Richie and Leah Bozzano. She is also survived by her sister, Violet (Volpi) Salvetti, nephew Rick Salvetti, niece Nancy Klein and many great-nieces and nephews. Norma’s complete dedication to her family exemplified, embodied, and personified the true meaning of who she was as a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved to be with her family, treasured every joyous moment spent with them, and always took an active interest in all aspects of their lives. A meticulous homemaker and fabulous cook and baker, her home was her castle. She valued all the times spent surrounded by her loved ones. Family gatherings were special times spent eating traditional Italian meals, reminiscing, having lively discussions, and watching children at play. Norma will be dearly missed by her family but will live on forever in their hearts. In spirit, she will continue to share special moments with them. While her daughters attended elementary school, Norma worked as a part-time health clerk for San Joaquin County until 1970. Her daughters’ considered her a “stay-at-home” mother because she worked during the hours they were in school. She always took them to school each morning, was waiting for them when school ended, was a phone call away if an emergency arose, and was involved with PTA. Norma enjoyed life to the fullest. Never one to be idle, she volunteered her time, was an active participant in organizations, served her church, and planned bus tours to various places, Italian festivals, and casinos. Norma volunteered her time and talents helping others. As a dedicated, volunteer member of St. Joseph’s Medical Center Auxiliary, she managed the hospital’s gift shop for 28 years. Retiring in 1998, she had volunteered more than 15,000 hours. Her tireless efforts were recognized recently. An honored guest, at the hospital’s recent unveiling of the newly created “Serving from the Heart—A Legacy of Volunteer Service” plaque, Norma saw her name inscribed in several categories. She was a parishioner of Cathedral of the Annunciation for 62 years. For many years she served as a Eucharistic minister and laundered altar linens. Every Sunday, she and Frank were seen seated in the first row of pews. Norma was involved in many organizations. She was always ready, willing, and able to lend a helping hand when needed. She served as treasurer of Annunciation Altar Guild, was membership chairwoman for Stockton Garden Club, served as arch druid for Druid Evergreen Circle 15, and served more than15 years as president of Italian Catholic Federation Branch 9. For dinner functions, she was the first to volunteer planning menus, overseeing the cooking, and assisting with cleanup. She was a tireless worker with an endless source of energy. In 2005, the Registrar of Voters presented Norma with a Certificate of Appreciation for dedicating more than 50 years to serving the voters of San Joaquin County. She began her civic duty as a voter precinct worker and eventually became a precinct election officer. On Election Day, she was the first arriving to prepare her polling location and the last to leave as she drove the sealed ballot box to election headquarters. Norma and Frank enjoyed traveling. With Norma as co-pilot and Frank as driver of their Chevrolet, their daughters enjoyed yearly summer vacations throughout California, neighboring states, Canada, Mexico and the opening of Disneyland. Following her husband’s retirement in 1981, Norma and Frank traveled extensively. Norma chose the destinations, packed their luggage, and they were on their way. They traveled throughout the 50 states, attended several World Expos, enjoyed several trips to Europe, and took many cruises throughout the world. One favorite Caribbean destination was the island of Aruba where they traveled consecutively for 20 summers. As a widow, Norma continued traveling with family members - on driving trips, cruises, and summers spent in Aruba. Norma touched many lives with her kind heart and loving manner. Blessed are all who had the privilege to know her and the opportunity to experience her generosity and helping hand. She was the most thoughtful and giving person to so many individuals who will greatly miss her presence. Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Frank, and brother-in-law Americo Salvetti. Visitation will be at DeYoung Shoreline Chapel, 7676 Shoreline Drive, Stockton, on Monday, January 5, 2015 between 1pm – 6 pm followed with a Vigil Service. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Cathedral of the Annunciation, Rose and Van Buren St., Stockton, CA followed by a Celebration of Norma’s Life at Stockton Golf and Country Club, 3800 W Country Club, Stockton. Private family committal will be at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to a favorite charity. Family members sincerely appreciate the help provided by Norma’s many caregivers during the past four years. Special heartfelt gratitude and appreciation is given to Wilfreda, Abegail, and Marichu for the compassionate and attentive care they provided during Norma’s final months. Appreciation is given to Community Hospice for being a guiding light for family members during Norma’s final two weeks of life. Please sign guestbook at www.deyoungchapels.com