Marthajoan Overton

Marthajoan Overton (née Buckley) was born on September 25, 1935 to John V. Buckley, DDS and Alma Buckley (Brady) in San Francisco, Ca. A fourth-generation San Franciscan, Martha grew up in the West Portal neighborhood and loved to ride the streetcar, visit her dad’s dentist office on Market and Castro and spent time in the library. An avid animal lover, Martha shared stories of her childhood raising ducks, dogs and a baby alligator.  Martha graduated from Star of the Sea High School in 1952 and attended Lone Mountain College, graduating in 1956. After meeting John C. Overton on a blind date, she waited for him after he graduated from USF and his two years of service in the US Army stationed overseas and they were married on July 14, 1957. Although they lived in San Francisco for four years, John C. ultimately convinced Martha to move back to Sonoma County, where his family had called home since 1850. Martha quickly integrated into Petaluma with her husband, their three sons, and loved her town dearly.

Martha will be remembered for her quick wit, tenacious spirit and her love for her community. Having worked at Valley Vista Elementary over 30 years, she was an integral part of the lives of countless children. She also volunteered with Alphabet Soup, Sack’s, Meals on Wheels and was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Church and a member of Community Guild. Martha spent her life impacting the lives of so many, walking, hosting holidays with family, tending to her garden, enjoying coffee with loved ones, visiting San Francisco, and traveling, especially with her late son Jack and his wife Lori.

Predeceased by her parents, son, Jack Overton, Jr. and husband, John C. Overton, Sr. Martha is survived by her sons Greg (Debbie) and Chris (Amanda), Lori Overton, grandchildren Sarah Balagey (Jeremy), Jessica Johnson (Dalton), Zane and True Overton, great-grandchildren Gemma and Aviv, along with countless family members and friends across the Bay Area. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

There will be a service on Friday September 20 at 11:00 am at St. Vincent’s Church with a reception to follow at the Petaluma Women’s Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jack Overton PEF Scholarship Fund at 100 4th Street, Petaluma.