Jan Overton, Capistrano Schools Trustee, Dies at 46

Longtime Capistrano Unified School District trustee Jan Overton, described as “a great stabilizing force” on the school board, died suddenly Sunday of undetermined causes. She was 46.

Mrs. Overton was a past president of the Orange County School Boards Assn. and a member of the California School Boards Assn. Delegate Assembly. She was vice president of the Capistrano Unified school board at the time of her death.

Although Mrs. Overton was known to be suffering from a painful skin condition, it had not been considered life-threatening. Deputy Coroner William King said a preliminary autopsy performed Monday was inconclusive and that further studies would be made.

“We were told she and some of her family were preparing to leave their Dana Point home for an outing Sunday morning when she collapsed suddenly,” Capistrano Unified Supt. Jerome Thornsley said.

Paramedics managed to revive her, but she collapsed again and was declared dead on arrival at San Clemente General Hospital, Thornsley said.

“Her death is really a shock,” he said. “She was a great stabilizing force on the (seven-member) board, showing great commitment and style. She was involved not only in local, but in county and state issues.”

Mrs. Overton joined the school board in 1976, replacing Steve Smith, who had resigned, district spokeswoman Jackie Cerra said. She was reelected in 1977, 1981 and 1985. Her current term expires in 1989.

The board has two choices in selecting a successor: A replacement can be appointed, or a special election can be called. Thornsley said the matter will be discussed at the next board meeting Feb. 1.

Mrs. Overton is survived by her husband, Richard; three sons, Eric of Dana Point, Mark of San Diego and David of Spain, and three daughters, Melanie of Capistrano Beach, Valerie of Boston and Kymberly of the U.S. Air Force.

Funeral arrangements are pending.