Norene Josephine Zoller Oviatt

Norene Josephine Zoller Oviatt was born on April 24, 1941, courtesy of Leroy and Charlotte “Lottie” Zoller, and spent the next 85 years making sure everyone around her had something to laugh about, chat about, or celebrate. Known affectionately as a walking ray of sunshine with the gift of gab, Norene never met a stranger, only future friends who had not yet heard her stories.

She grew up in Chicago with her beloved little sister Bonnie, embracing every ounce of city life. Summers spent at Browns Lake in WI transformed her into an unofficial Esther Williams understudy, at least in her mind, as she perfected her swimming and splashing performances. When not in the water, she also ice skated, sewed the latest fashions, and perfected the art of marathon phone conversations.

After graduating from Immaculata High School in 1959, she studied at Northern Illinois University and Kendall College but soon took on her destined role: partner to her one and only, John Oviatt. Together they embarked on a cross country adventure, living in Chicago, Indianapolis, New York, and finally Barrington, Illinois, where they set up the lively Oviatt household and raised their four outgoing children.

Norene was the type of mom every kid wished they had; she was energetic, creative, an expert chef and seamstress, a bargain shopper and the biggest fan at her children’s events. She did not just support their activities; she became part of the staff leading fundraising efforts for the Barrington Broncos Booster Club.

Norene’s children and their friends will forever remember her as the “fun mom,” the one who told hilarious tales, occasionally embellished, especially when she met new people who looked like they’d appreciate a good story. She adored traveling anywhere with beaches, palm trees, and margaritas, ideally all three at once.

Her social calendar was also a work of art. At Biltmore Country Club, she played golf, tennis, and not surprisingly, the fine skill of making lifelong, cherished friendships. Later she added Wynstone Golf Club and Lake Barrington Shores to her rotation of places where she would socialize and sparkle.

In true Norene fashion, she never limited herself to learning new things. She joined the local Questers Chapter, where she served both as it’s Treasurer and President. She also dug her hands into the earth, and likely a few garden gloves, as a member of the Barrington Garden Club.

Norene passed peacefully on September 9, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, and other beloved family members and friends.

She leaves behind a family who adored her: children John (Jane), Kim Wegner (Dennis), Scott, and Chip (Danielle); grandchildren Mary Jane, Lily, Owen, Grady, James, Lukas, Josephine, Corinne, Maxwell, and her dear sister Bonnie Murphy, all of whom will continue to share her stories, her zest for life, and remember life is best lived with family, friends, and perhaps a great bargain in hand.

A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned for October. Family and friends who were touched by Norene will warmly be invited to share their favorite memories, while we share a toast of her wonderful life. Please check back as the Celebration details are finalized.