Norine Petroni passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Santa Barbara, following an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was 82 years old.

Norine, a.k.a. “Nonna,” is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Frank Petroni, and their two children: Julie Sorenson (Greg), and David Petroni (Julie).

Norine’s kindness, quick wit, and inner beauty lives on in her four granddaughters Avery and Kyelee Sorenson and Emily and Megan Petroni.

Norine’s family was her north star, and her family will miss her greatly.

Norine began her life in Los Banos, California, as the only child to Americo and Lucy Marciochi (a dairyman and homemaker, respectively).

She grew up in a simple farmhouse, where she enjoyed the spoils of a traditional Italian upbringing which included remarkable food and extended family time – particularly, around the holidays.

She was a standout in the classroom with a passion to learn and try new things, most notably the marimba.

Her first time away from home was to attend San Jose State University. As a freshman in 1960, she was the only female member of the San Jose State Marching Band. It is here that she met her lifelong husband and soulmate Frank.

Norine and Frank were married in 1964 and had their first home together in Morgan Hill, California. While Frank pursued a career as a pharmacist, Norine held various full- and part-time jobs doing bookkeeping and secretarial work.

Her true joy, of course, was raising their two children, and the endless volunteering and school support activities therein. She did manage to tap into her creative side briefly by participating in community theater, but her superpower was cooking and entertaining.

Norine, Frank, and their children moved to the Central Coast (San Luis Obispo and ultimately, Atascadero) in 1977.

SLO became Norine’s “happy place.” It is here that she built lifelong friendships and participated in countless local causes (Beta Sigma Phi sorority, the Red Hat Society, and with Frank, Atascadero Newcomers and ushers at Cal Poly’s Performing Art Center).

Norine held various positions at San Luis Obispo Unified School District, including career technician at San Luis Obispo High School. She and several of her dearest friends became notorious for their pre-Uber era kid delivery services: carting Impala-full loads of children to various basketball, tennis, dance and soccer events.

Her boundless smile and “sure-I’ll-help” kindness will be missed dearly.

Nothing mattered more to Norine than family. Prior to her illness, she had a near perfect attendance at the milestone events of her grandchildren. Her relationship with Frank, particularly amidst her struggles with Parkinson’s, was an inspiration.

While they were blessed with the opportunity to travel extensively (loving new sites, cruises with family and friends, and time in the mountains), they ultimately seemed at their best when they were surrounded by family.

The entire family is so appreciative of Frank’s unselfish care of Norine in her final years.

A funeral service for Norine will be held at 10 a.m. March 15 at St. Raphael’s Church, 5444 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara.

In her honor, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider supporting the Parkinson Association Santa Barbara.