Celebrating Friendships Marco Island Style

Lorraine Corva and her husband Dominic discovered Marco Island some 16 years ago and thought this was their “last stop.” But once again, they are on the “move” to be closer to grandkids.

I first met Lorraine at Newcomers along with a group of half a dozen women some 16 years ago. We were all newbies to the Island and we’ve banded together ever since. Our Newcomers’ group was “termed out,” and we joined the Sunshine Sisters, a social group that had membership vacancies. The Sunshine Sisters is made up of women dedicated to community and camaraderie – they all like to enjoy paradise!

We’ve tried hat making, basket weaving, and even tried axe throwing. There was also the cultural side: operas, plays at the local theaters, musicals, Sunshine Sisters annual Christmas parties, annual BONKO party, participating in the annual Island Christmas Style Parade and one year we even won an award for our creative costume. Lorraine, along with another member, always carried the Sunshine Sisters banner. One hot summer afternoon, the group even took a hike from Porky’s (now Cav’s) to the S.S. Jolley Bridge and back and made it to the front page of a local newspaper. From reading the June minutes of the Sunshine Sisters, it listed upcoming events for 2026 such as an orchid class, Tai Chi, Walk Among the Waterlilies at the Botanical Garden, and a cooking class scheduled for 2026. Each member hosts an event once a year and during the season, that list gets filled up!

You will always find Lorraine at the monthly Lunch with Friends BUT always in the kitchen making sure the dishwasher works or the luncheon is picked up. She is also the Parliamentarian for the San Marco Council of Catholic Women (CCW) and still finds time to help “make soup” at the St. Mark’s kitchen once a month. In addition, she has a mahjong group and a book club on her weekly schedule.

Lorraine is also known all over the Island as Allyson Richard’s best friend and their community Mobile Pantry, AL’s Pals, serves individuals with limited mobility or who were unable to attend the Our Daily Bread Food Pantry weekly distribution.

Allyson also has a full plate of activities in Marco Island and beyond the bridge, and between the two of them, I don’t think they had true “down times.” Theirs is a very special bond.

According to Lorraine, “A friend is a person with whom you share mutual affection, trust and loyalty. A best friend shares unconditional trust, honesty, emotional safety and timeless connection.” She added, “Before you apply, let me give you a few conditions.”

• Must be up at 5:00 AM seven days a week for a text or a phone call.
• Be willing to be chased by wild dogs.
• Sit through a really long Mass in Latin.
• Deliver food in 100-degree weather with threats of summer thunder and lightning.
• Travel through flood waters to feed the hungry.
• Operate a commercial dishwasher.

And most importantly, “is always available to her best friend and ready for new adventures. You might think Marco Island brought us together, but the reality is, it’s our great trust and faith in God. So, no matter where I live, Allyson will always be my bestie, so you need NOT apply. For you see, the position is filled.”

Big thanks to Allyson Richards, Jeanne Speranza, and Teresa Perkins for hosting a beautiful evening and a heartwarming tribute to friendship - not just to Lorraine but to everyone who made the 16 years very memorable to Lorraine and her special Island group. Big thanks to Gabby Stigall for the festive décor of gold, green, and white – Lorraine’s favorite colors.

It’s not always easy to find the right word but this sums it up: Buona Fortuna! Best of luck from your Marco Island friends.