February 10, 1957 – November 25, 2025
Loretta McLoughlin Salveson, 68, of Colusa, California, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025. Born in San Francisco on February 10, 1957, she was the fifth of nine children of Bill and Loretta McLoughlin and was raised in St. Cecilia Parish.
Loretta is survived by her husband, Randy Salveson; her daughter, Claire (Robert) Nix; granddaughters Sydney and Maddie; siblings: Bill (Chris), Patty (Steve), Janet (Tim), Therese (Robert), Jeanne (Bill), Joanne (Charley), Mike (Krissy), and Sissy (Kevin); aunt Betty McLoughlin Boselli; stepsons Tim (Lauren), Jon (Gina), and Ryan Salveson; grandchildren Halle, Taylor, Sloane, Enzo, and Alessandra; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Loretta McLoughlin, and by her niece Amy and niece-in-law Leslie.
A graduate of Mercy High School, Loretta attended Humboldt State University before earning her degree in Geology from UC Berkeley. She began her career as a geophysicist and later found her true calling in education, serving for many years as an elementary school teacher and computer specialist at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Walnut Creek.
In 2012, Loretta married Randy Salveson and embraced life on their organic walnut farm in Colusa. She was known for her kindness, patience, gentle humor, and deep love for her family. Loretta’s greatest happiness came from creating memories with family and friends.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in San Francisco on January 9, 2025 at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Walnut Creek. https://st-mary.net/giving
Loretta will be remembered always for the love she gave so freely, the laughter she shared so effortlessly, and the gentle spirit that made the world a kinder place.