Françoise Carmen Sanz Sobin, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Thursday morning, November 13, 2014 at her home in Kenwood, California at the age of 82.

Born in 1932 in Bordeaux, France, she grew up in large happy family. From age six to thirteen she lived through occupation during the Second World War. As a young woman, she studied nursing for two years in Lancashire, England. Her mastery of three languages – French, Spanish and English – helped her rise as an administrative professional working for the U.S. government reconstruction in Bordeaux. She later moved to Paris where she attended classes at the Sorbonne and worked for Continental Oil.

During a 1962 vacation in Athens, Greece, Françoise met Harris J. Sobin, an American architect and academic living in London. Harris came to her aid by decoding a restaurant menu (which was all Greek to her). Their first date at the Acropolis led to a trans‐channel romance, followed marriage. The couple settled in London, and was later blessed by the birth in Paris of their first daughter, Anne‐Christine. The family moved later to Puerto Rico where their second daughter, Isabelle Rena, arrived. After several happy years in paradise the family moved to Tucson, where Harris joined the Architecture faculty at the University of Arizona. Always a champion of intercultural understanding, Françoise became an active member of the local Alliance Française, and served for many years as chapter Vice President. After nearly 40 years in Tucson, Françoise and Harris moved to California’s Sonoma Valley in 2009 to enjoy their retirement near the family of daughter Anne‐Christine. Though saddened by the passing of Harris in 2011, she took great joy in sharing several years watching her grandchildren grow up and thrive.

Françoise is survived by daughter Anne‐Christine (Sobin) McKibben, son‐in‐law Jeff McKibben, grandson Trevor and granddaughter Sophie of Sonoma, California, by daughter Isabelle (Sobin) Burkhart, son‐in-law Jonathan Burkhart, grandson Harris and granddaughter Rena of Rhinebeck, New York, and by sister Liliane Sanz of Marne‐la‐Vallée, France.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, November 19 at Saint Francis Solano Church in Sonoma. For those wishing to offer a remembrance, the family encourages donations to the Alliance Française of San Francisco, (415) 775‐7755 or http://afsf.com/support/.

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Margaret Mary (Peg) Callahan, 84, last of Sonoma, CA, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 18, 2014. Born on November 12, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan, to William Gordon and Eleanor Sterling Gordon

Peg graduated from the Univ. of Detroit with her B.A. Music in 1952. After teaching in Detroit, Peg began the grand adventure of her life moving to San Francisco, CA where she married William Callahan on April 5, 1957. In 1960 they moved to Avalon Dr. in Daly City, CA, where they raised three boys, Bill, Mike, and Tim. In 1998 Peg followed her long time wish to escape the fog moving to Sonoma, CA. She spent her last 16 years traveling and singing, surrounded always by family and friends.

For over 30 years Peg taught music and second grade, the majority at Los Cerritos Elementary School, South San Francisco, CA.

Outside of teaching Peg gave her time to the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Daly City, CA. There Peg hosted many church gatherings in her home, fed the Parish with her legendary spaghetti dinners, entertained with her singing groups and choirs. Peg also led the St. Andrew’s Teen Club creating a lasting legacy as a friend and mentor to a generation of Daly City teenagers.

Peg was preceded in death by her husband William Callahan, survived by her three sons William Callahan (Nanette) San Carlos, CA, Michael (Laurie) Callahan Sacramento, CA and Timothy (Toni) Callahan of Sonoma, CA, and her Grandson Sean. Peg is remembered and loved by sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, friends from Avalon Dr., Creekside and the St. Andrew Teen Club Alumni.

Viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Nov 28, 2014 at Duggan’s Mission Chapel 525 West Napa Street Sonoma, CA 95476, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Francis Solano Church 469 3rd Street W, Sonoma, CA 95476.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Peg Callahan’s name to Sonoma Mentoring Alliance P.O. Box 721 Sonoma, CA 95476, http://www.sonomamentoring.org/make-a-donation.html.

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Mary Carolyn Slack, 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 in Sonoma while holding the hand of her husband of 66 years, Harry. Carolyn was a 25-year resident of Sonoma. She was born in Worland, WY and the spirit of the Old West was a part of her throughout her life. The family ranch in Wyoming was a place that never lost its magic for her.

She married the love of her life, Harry Slack, in July of 1948 at the West Seattle Presbyterian Church. They had three children: Debbie, Kelly and Holly, all born in Seattle. In 1962, the family moved to San Carlos on the Peninsula and then, a year later, to Burlingame where they lived for 25 years before moving to Sonoma.

Carolyn was a graceful dancer and a gracious hostess. She loved celebrating her Danish heritage and enjoyed cooking Danish dishes – especially elberskiver – for her family and friends. Her parties were legendary events where every guest was treated as a close friend. She was beautiful and comfortable wearing anything from cowboy boots and big buckles to cocktail dresses and dancing shoes.

Carolyn and Harry crisscrossed the United States with their travel trailer, as happy in it as they were at home. Carolyn loved horseback riding and skiing, both on the water and the snow. Later in life she went to college and studied art history. Large family dinners around the formally set dining room table were a regular occurrence. Through it all she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and great-aunt.

She is survived by her husband, all three of her children and their families, including six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Marjorie Nielsen, and two sisters: Alleyn and Jacquelyn.

The family invites all to attend a service for Carolyn on Sunday, November 30, at 2:00 p.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St. in Sonoma. A reception will follow the service at the family home. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Northern California, 2290 N. First St., Suite 101, San Jose, CA 95131, or the Hospice by the Bay, 17 E. Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Larkspur, CA 94939.

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Our dear mother, Marie L. Ament, passed away peacefully and with grace October 28, 2014 in Anacortes, WA.

She was born June 4, 1921 in New York and moved to the quaint and historical town of Sonoma, CA with her parents, James and Louise Catino, her brother, Mickey and sister, Margaret. There she grew up and attended schools. After graduation from St. Mary’s College of Nursing in San Francisco in 1942, she met Joe, the love of her life, at a Presidio dance and they later married in 1943. After World War II, they settled in San Mateo, Ca. where she raised her family and started her career as an R.N. at Mills Hospital.

To our family, she was an “inspiration” and her husband of 50 years always said, “I am never bored married to you.” Marie was beautiful, gentle, and kind with amazing strength, self-confidence, a fun and adventurous spirit, and a great sense of humor. She had a passion for life; loving her beautiful granddaughter, family, friends and her nursing career, teaching later on in life, writing, sewing club and her bridge games (as she always loved to win). She was the most gracious hostess, always setting a beautiful table for celebrations and offering food and beverages to everyone who graced our home (part of her Italian upbringing). Her famous saying when serving: “What is it you wish, dear?”

Marie loved music and played the piano at many events. As a child she sang all the old Italian songs with her mother and sister and loved her Italian heritage. As children my brother and I would listen to all the wonderful stories about Sonoma in the 1920’s and 1930’s. She finally published her autobiography “White Stockings” depicting her life growing up, choosing a career in nursing, falling in love and raising a family. Mom, Ma, Mama Bear, you were pure love, never to be forgotten.

Marie leaves behind her loving children, Bill and Kathy, daughter-in-law, Rita, dearest granddaughter, Vanessa, brother, Mickey Catino, sister, Margaret Crooks, and many nieces, nephews and cousins and her other  kids she adopted along the way.

A Memorial Mass will be held to honor Marie’s life in the Spring 2015 in San Mateo, CA. Donations can be made on her behalf to The Good Shepherd Gracenter at 1310 Bacon Street, San Francisco 94134.

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On November 10, 2014, Jack died peacefully at home after a long illness, with his wife by his side. An avid fisherman, Jack was known for his upbeat spirit, his sense of adventure, and for being a great storyteller.

Jack is survived by his wife, Clare, of 57 years, his sister-in-law Marilyn Mauntel, niece Marjorie (Jori) Mauntel, and nephews Mark and Nicholas Mauntel, and predeceased by parents Howard S. and Norma Layton Bock of St. Louis, MO.

Jack was born in St. Louis MO in 1932 and grew up in Normandy, MO. He won a basketball scholarship to Drury College and transferred to Washington University in St. Louis in his sophomore year. He joined ROTC, and after graduating, served two years in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Panama City, FL.

Jack married Clare J. May on December 20, 1955 after she graduated from Washington University. They traveled by car all the way from St. Louis to Mexico City, spending a month enjoying Mexico before returning to Panama City where they began their married life together. After leaving the Air Force the adventures continued, sailing to Europe where they spent six months touring Europe by motor scooter, staying in youth hostels for 25 cents a night and learning to ski in the Austrian Alps.

Later, he and Clare moved to Berkeley, CA, where he received a master’s degree in political science at UC Berkeley. Before continuing his education, he and a partner were in the business of collecting and selling primitive art, mostly from New Guinea. He became interested in developing cultures and enrolled in a new program at Stanford University called Stanford International Development Education Center (SIDEC), and completed that program with a Ph.D.

He then accepted an offer from Florida State University to direct a multi-million dollar, ten-year project, later extended to 15 years, working in 19 developing countries around the world. The goal of the project was to help each country use economic, political, and other data to make decisions regarding the establishment of an appropriate educational system, rather than arbitrarily using the US model of education. While working on the project, Vietnam was normalized (recognized by the US) and Jack was asked to establish the first educational conference there in 1990. Vietnam’s Minister of Education rewarded Jack with a nine-course cobra dinner, where he was expected to swallow the snake’s still-beating heart.

When he retired, Jack and Clare returned to California, this time residing in the wine country of Sonoma.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Jack at Sonoma Hills Retirement community, 405 W. MacArthur St., Sonoma, on Sunday, December 7^th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donations can be made to Hospice by the Bay, 190 W. Napa St., Sonoma, or Vintage House, 264 1^st St, E., Sonoma.

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Yves Gregoire Casabonne, 78, died peacefully in San Francisco November 21, 2014. Yves was the beloved husband of Annette and very proud father of Daniel. He did it his way. He was dancing the polka on Sunday night, he worked in the yard on Monday and Tuesday, and that night he had a massive stroke. Two days later he was gone.

A native of Arette (Pyrenees Atlantique), France, he arrived in San Francisco in 1959 to pursue the American Dream. Never afraid of hard work, long hours, and taking chances by looking forward with different ideas, he achieved all of his goals. Yves started from scratch four different successful businesses in San Francisco, Redwood City, and Saratoga. After retiring from the retail business that Annette and Yves ran together for 20 years in Saratoga, he felt like he was too young to really retire. That is when he got the idea to purchase his favorite dance hall, Little Switzerland in Sonoma. That was the beginning of another chapter in his life and perhaps some of his happiest times.

Yves and Annette celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year and were planning a trip to France to visit family and friends.

He had a love of cars, polka dancing (Little Switzerland-Sonoma), and he was always willing to try new things…..last year while on vacation in Mexico he went parasailing along the coast, did the zip cord through the jungle, swam with the dolphins, and petted sting rays. He loved wheeling and dealing. Three days a week he would be found at various flea markets from San Jose, Santa Cruz to Concord buying things that he didn’t need but he just couldn’t pass up because he was able to get a good deal.

Survived by sisters Rosette (Pierre), Jacqueline (Jean Louis) and brother-in-law Emile Bourdet (Sandra) and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in France and in the San Francisco Bay Area.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, noon at St. Francis Solano Church 469 Third Street West, Sonoma, with a reception following at Rossi’s 1906 (a.k.a. the former Little Switzerland) 401 Grove Street, Sonoma. In lieu of flowers, donations in Yves’ memory are welcome to F.I.S.H., P.O. Box 507, Sonoma, CA 95476 or the charity of your choice.

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Anthony Joseph Garcia, age 42, entered into rest Wednesday November 19, 2014 in San Francisco. A native of Sonoma, Anthony had lived in Lake County for nine years. He had worked as a master mechanic for many years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Garcia. He is survived by his mother, Anne Phillips of Clearlake; brother, Joseph Garcia, all of Clearlake; nephews, Anthony B. Garcia and Sammy, both of Sonoma; niece, Selena Garcia; sister-in-law, Katrina Garcia of Sonoma; aunts, Mary of Oregon and Elizabeth of Scotland and their spouses; half-brothers, Gilbert and Ian; half-sisters, Martha and Jane; and grandmother, Soccoro of Vallejo. Also survived by Gage, Dain, and Zack, and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles in Vallejo.

A Memorial Service was held on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel in Lower Lake. Please share your memories of Anthony by signing his on-line guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com.

Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel.

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Artist, philanthropist, adventurer, and mother Penelope B. MacNaughton (née Lewis) died Saturday, November 22, 2014, in the loving company of her son and daughter. A world traveler and collector of treasures, Penny was also a designer, decorator, Weimaraner rescuer, vintner, gardener, rancher, stone mason, and worm farmer. She was a funky aunt, a dear friend to many, a fabulous party host and a generous supporter of many causes.

Committed to the arts and to her community of Sonoma, Penny was a former Board member of the Sonoma Community Center and was involved in numerous historic restoration projects in Sonoma over the past three decades. Her involvement with the arts began at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts and the West End Gallery in Montréal, and continued with her own businesses: Art À Propos in Montréal with Suzy Langton; Extravagance in San Francisco with Mary Rye; and her solo 3 Dog Studio in the City of Sonoma. In 2012, Penny joined fellow artists Janis Kobe, Gayle Manfre, Kate Ortolano, and Thena Trygstad to create ARTescape, a community outreach program affiliated with the Arts Guild of Sonoma that offers affordable and accessible creative opportunities in the visual arts to the diverse population of the Sonoma Valley community. On October 17, 2014, ARTescape dedicated the Penny MacNaughton Gallery at their location in Sonoma’s Boyes Hot Springs.

Born in Montréal, Canada in 1936, Penny was the daughter of the late Dorothea Nichol Whiteley Lewis and John Bower Lewis. She graduated from St. Helen’s School in Dunham, Quebec and attended Sir George Williams University in Montréal. Married for twenty-seven years to Angus MacNaughton, she is survived by her devoted children Gillian MacNaughton and Diane Frey, and Andrew MacNaughton and Michelle Corey. She was the loving sister of Judith and Robert Munro, cherished aunt of John Munro, Margaret and Jefferson Lyons, and Hilary and Alan McLeod, and was adoring great-aunt to Amelia and Evelyn McLeod.

We will be celebrating Penny’s life at the Sonoma Art Museum Saturday, December 13^th from 3:00-6:00 pm. Contributions in Penny’s memory may be made to ARTescape, 17474-A Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, CA 95476 (Tax ID: 94-2391571).

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Joseph Massey Graves, 80, passed away peacefully in Sonoma on November 30, 2014. Joseph was born on July 21, 1934 to Leroy and Geraldine Graves in Sonoma and was a lifelong resident. His interests included: trap shooting, amateur radio broadcasting, and flying RC model airplanes.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ruth; his daughter, Suzanne Graves; granddaughter, Lydia McDonald; and brother, James (and wife, Flora) Graves. He is predeceased by his parents, Leroy and Geraldine and his brother, David.

At Joseph’s request, no formal services will be held.

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Tim died on November 28, 2014 in Gresham at the age of 89.

Tim E. Woodham was born on June 23, 1925 in Covina CA, the son of Tim and Gunhild “Jenny” Woodham. As Tim was growing up he lived in the Baldwin Park area and graduated from Covina High School. After graduating, Tim enlisted in the Navy and served his country from the 2^nd of November, 1942 until his Honorable Discharge on the 26^th day of June, 1946. During his enlistment, Tim earned the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate 2^nd Class, and was a recipient of the “Purple Heart”

After his discharge, Tim returned to California where he owned and operated a gas station in Santa Rosa for some time. Tim married Helen Ross in the late 40’s in Santa Rosa. As time passed Tim went to work for a General Motors Auto Dealership as a service manager in the Bay area. He then went to work for “Herrera Buick” in San Francisco as a service supervisor and retired in 1988. After retiring, Tim resided in the Bay area and enjoyed woodworking, gardening, reading and his computer.

Helen preceded Tim in death in 2004. While attending his 60^th high school class reunion in Covina 2005, Tim met and got reacquainted with a classmate, Bobby Lacey, and as time passed they were married in Gresham, Oregon, May 20^th 2006.

Tim was preceded in death by his daughter, Kristi Lynn Grieves. He is now survived by his wife Bobby of Gresham, and his son Tim Woodham of Vallejo, CA.

Funeral services for Gresham resident, Tim Woodham, will be held on Thursday, December 4^th at 10:00 a.m. at Gresham Memorial Chapel, Gresham, OR. Concluding services will be held at Sonoma V.A. Cemetery with honors in Sonoma, CA on Wednesday, December 10^th, at 11 a.m.

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Neill Albert Whitman – Sept. 6, 1924 – Nov. 18, 2014

Neill Albert Whitman, of San Anselmo, and previously of Sonoma California, passed peacefully in his sleep on the 18th of November 2014. He was 90 years of age.

Born September 6, 1924, in San Rafael, California, he was the second child in the family of Albert Neill Whitman and Marguerite Maag Whitman. Neill is preceded in death by his older sister, Barbara Whitman Sparrow, of Sonoma, California, and survived by his younger sister, Geraldine Whitman Bruce, of Sun City, Florida. He is also preceded in death by the “better angel of his nature”, the love of his life, Valda Beck Kulka Whitman, whose passing preceded his by little more than a year and a half. Married for 39 years, both Neill and Valda are survived by children of previous marriages: Cami Whitman Eichar of Greenbrae, California and Mark Lewis Whitman, of Douglas, Alaska are Neill’s surviving children, and David Kulka of Burbank, California, Dan Kulka of Huntington Beach, California, and Matt Kulka of Huntersville, North Carolina are Valda’s surviving children. In addition, he is survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren on both sides.

Over a long life, Neill engaged in many occupations to earn a livelihood: postal worker, schoolteacher, school principal, actor and caretaker. However, in the work of professional storyteller, starting in the 1960s, Neill found his true calling. Combining his consummate acting skills, honed through years of performance with the Sausalito Little Theatre, with a strong ability to connect with children’s imaginations, he was able to captivate audiences of all ages. Choosing tales from traditional myths and fairy tales (where he said all cultures hide their wisdom) Neill was able to craft and create spoken stories that were polished treasures, shared in story circles in classrooms, libraries, churches, and storytelling festivals around the Bay Area.

His quick humor was constant; always there, even as he faced life’s end, joined to a firm belief that life, in all its forms is sacred. He felt kindness was the highest goal, and did his best to practice that on a daily basis. Neill’s stories and Valda’s music and quilts showed their families, friends, and communities a bright, imaginative world of loving wisdom, created and shared from the heart.

Both Neill and Valda’s ashes will be interred in the garden of the First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo at a future date to be determined. Their shared light will continue to bloom in all our lives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to: Tam House of San Anselmo or Pets Lifeline Animal Shelter of Sonoma.

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Alfred James (Jim) Alcayaga, 75, passed away unexpectedly at home in Sonoma, California on November 27, 2014. He was born in Sonoma on September 26, 1939. He grew up in San Francisco but returned to Sonoma in 1972, where he remained until his passing. Jim was a longtime member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 38 in San Francisco.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alfred G. and Florence (Weyl) Alcayaga. He is survived by his brothers: Alan (Janice) of Gardnerville, NV; Richard (Brigitte) of Sonoma; and Robert (Kathie) of Cromberg, CA. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Joseph, Patrick, Jeffrey, and Robert Alcayaga; Cassandra McGinty and Nicole Alcayaga; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.

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Paul Joseph Cordellos, born on May 27, 1934, to Marinos and Josephine Cordellos in San Francisco, California, passed on November 27, 2014, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Paul graduated from Balboa High School, was a Korean War veteran, a bodybuilder and weightlifter, and a Teamster. In 1985, he bought a welding and fabrication shop in Concord, California. He loved to fish and refurbish antique furniture, and he could build and fix anything.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Harold Cordellos; his wife, Phyllis Cordellos; and son-in-law, Ray Collins. Paul is survived by his children, Nancy Preis, Danise Collins, and Nick, Paula, Chris and Gabrielle Cordellos; grandchildren, Michelle Greiner, Shaleena and KC Preis, Greg Collins (Stephanie), Kristi Collins Beeson (TJ), Natasha DeCloud (Ryan), and Craig, Phylicia, Warren and Cody Cordellos; niece and nephews, Joanne, Johnny and Kelly Cordellos; and seven great-grandchildren.

Per his wishes, no services will be held. Inurnment will be private.

Donations to EBMRF, a support organization for those with EB disease, in which Paul’s grandson Cody is afflicted, are preferred: EBMRF, 2757 Anchor Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064.

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Albert Edward Hand, Jr., 67, lost his eight year battle with Melanoma on December 2, 2014 in San Francisco. He was born February 25, 1947 to Albert and May Hand and lived in Marin and Sonoma his whole life except for high school in England.  Albert was a Coast Guard veteran and golf professional by trade at Peacock Gap in San Rafael for over 30 years. He was a lover of Colonial History, a Giants fan who lived long enough after his diagnosis to see three World Series wins, a gardener, deep sea fisherman, and a horse racing aficionado. He was on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma and volunteered for the Lions in Sight.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Senior, his granddaughter Brenna Rose.

He is survived by his mother May, his wife Susie, his children Ted (Meredith) and Amanda (Reeve) and granddaughters Alice and Claire.

A service in celebration of his life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 275 East Spain Street in Sonoma January 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Trinity Episcopal Church (address above); the Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma Valley, 100 West Verano Avenue, Sonoma, CA 95476; to Valley of the Moon Lions Club, 976 Glenwood Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476 or the charity of your choice.

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On the morning of November 26, 2014, Wallace “Wally” Frederick Tice passed away peacefully, at Sonoma Valley Hospital, with his wife by his side. He was 81 years old.

Wally was a native of California. He was born on June 19, 1933 in San Francisco, California. He was the only son of Patricia and Frank Tice, and the beloved nephew of Josephine Simpson. Wally spent many of his formative years in San Francisco.

Wally’s professional passion was real estate. Initially, as a real estate broker, and later as a reverse mortgage specialist, Wally treated his clients like family, developing personal relationships, which enabled him to provide his customers with the best service possible.

Wally enjoyed volunteering and contributing to his community. He was a member of the Lions Club and ran the Corn on the Cob booth at the annual Walnut Festival in Walnut Creek. Wally was an involved parishioner at St. Eugene’s Church in Santa Rosa. He helped with Cursillos and loved surprising the nuns at Ursuline with his delicious chocolate mousse. He was also a member of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce and Sonoma Valley Executives.

Wally, as husband, father, and grandfather “Saba”, loved planning and being a part of events that created memories. With his wife, Isabel, he enjoyed vacations, whether small or large, from weekends appreciating the beauty of northern California to longer voyages to Mexico or Europe relishing and absorbing the unique culture of those destinations. In addition he loved spending time with family, especially anything that involved a meal. It didn’t matter if the meal was breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or anything in between. He took great pleasure in making “eggs in a hole” and milkshakes for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed creating or providing for his company anything that involved peanut butter, ice cream, or chocolate. Wally loved games, especially those involving a deck of cards or strategy. He could be fiercely competitive when it mattered, but was also patient and a good role model when teaching and playing with the youngest generation.

Wally, Saba, Dad, will be missed. He is survived by his wife Isabel, his daughters Kathleen Church (John) and Dody Billideau, his step children Alison Beckmann (Karl) and Rick Giesea (Michelle), his adorable grandchildren, his many friends, co-workers, and clients, and his faithful Airedale, Daisy Mae.

A memorial Mass celebrating Wally’s life will be held on December 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church, Sonoma, CA. A reception will be held immediately after at the Depot Hotel. If you would like to join the family at the reception, please RSVP Alison at aligbeck@verizon.net. In lieu of flowers, Wally’s family would greatly appreciate donations be made to Northwest Airedale Terrier Rescue 3235 Bonham Street So., Salem, Oregon  97302 or Hospice By The Bay, 190 W Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476.

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Nancy Potter Witton Beer Tranchina, 90, passed away in Sonoma, CA on December 3, 2014. Nancy was born November 25, 1924 in Sharon, Pennsylvania to William and Mary Witton. They moved to California when Nancy was a young child. They joined many of her aunts and uncles who had emigrated from Scotland and England during the Great Depression. West Los Angeles became home for many of these new emigrant relatives. She graduated from University High School in 1943. She met and married Chet Beer, Jr. after World War ll. During her thirty years of marriage to Chet, she worked various jobs, one of which was as a master seamstress in a Beverly Hills shop. When Chet died in 1975, she moved to Sonoma and married Dominic Tranchina. They were married until 1992, when Dom passed away. It took a while, but she learned to love Sonoma. Her late friend, Reggie Duarte, was a constant dinner partner and pasta chef for many years. Nancy had a great spirit and an even greater love of people. She cared for everyone, strangers and friends alike. Quite simply, she loved all of us.

We want to thank and recognize all of Nancy’s friends. She came to Sonoma in middle age and started over. She cherished her friendships more then we can say. June Bacigalupi, her loyal telephone buddy, knew all her secrets. June and Nancy shared a lot of laughs! Dorothy Matteo, her adopted sister, was a treasured friend. Gerry Tacchini was another great friend. Since our mother’s passing, we have discovered just how many people she touched, whether at the post office, bank, pharmacy, grocery or all across the Valley of the Moon. She was a real lady with a true sense of fashion. She bowled in Petaluma for many years, finally quitting when she was 85 years young. She played bingo at Seven Flags every Tuesday, a day she never missed. And to all her friends and fellow bingo players, thank you so much! Tripoly with the gals was the third week of the month. Our thanks to the Tripoly gals – Dorothy, Norma, Diane, Maureen and Barbara. We don’t know how she lifted that bag of nickels! Who knew that McDonald’s in Sonoma had bingo on Thursdays? Nancy did! So, again, our thanks to all her fellow players. Fridays with Linda at the hair salon was a remarkable time to catch up on just about everything. Thank you, ladies, for sharing the dryer with Mom. All these things were important to Mom and she greatly missed all of you these past few months. Mom was ill and hospitalized this past year. We were lucky to have wonderful caregivers and the caring work done by Hospice of Petaluma.

Nancy Tranchina is survived by her children, Susan Beer (Mark), Kevin Witham (Steve), and Chet Beer (Sarah); by her grandchildren, Aaron, Grant, Colin and Conor; and by her great-grandchild, Daniela.

A celebration of her life will be at The Vintage House of Sonoma in late February. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, 94952, or Vintage House of Sonoma, 264 1st St. East, Sonoma, 95476.

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Sandra “Sandy” Rose Spomer, passed into our Lord’s arms Sunday, November 30^th, 2014 at Sonoma Valley Hospital.

Born August 21st, 1937 in Daly City to Lee and Flora Faulk she was the youngest of three girls. She met the love of her life, Robert Spomer, and went on to raise a wonderful family in Sonoma Valley. A town staple, Sandy worked at Gallo Brother’s, Sierra Bank, First Interstate Bank, Sonoma Valley Bank and moonlighted in her retirement as a bartender at Pizzeria Capri.

She loved to take her kids camping, was an avid bowler in Sonoma and with her husband she enjoyed Dixieland music traveling from Sacramento to New Orleans. She was Santa Claus for many years and loved singing with the Sonoma Valley Chorale and the Vintage House Singers.

She is survived by her husband her SOB (Sweet Old Bob) Robert Spomer, her sisters Maxine Costello and Marilee Marino (Joe), her children Lee Spomer, Lori Patten (Mark), Robert Spomer (Royce), grandchildren Tiffany Hogan, Crystal Noone (Mike), Nick Spomer, Chelsea Spomer, Robert Spomer, Tanya Murphy, her sister in laws Doris Hervilla, Dorothy Ginocchio (Tony) and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother in laws Ronald Spomer and Tom Costello.

A grateful thank you to all the doctors, hospitals, clinics and special people who endeavored so hard to help Sandy through her ordeal. The entire family thanks you for all your efforts to enhance her life and your love and professionalism is so appreciated.

A private family inurnment was held. A celebration of life will be held at Vintage House, 264 1st Street East, Sonoma, on Sunday, December21, 2014 from1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice or consider UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

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Ton Long died at the Queen of the Valley Hospital on December 5, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81.

Mr. Long was born on April 24, 1933 in Tram Knah, Cambodia to Mom Touch and Sai Long. He married Than Kang in 1956. He received his teaching credential through a Buddhist Monastery. Ton taught 2^nd and 3^rd grade for 20 years in Cambodia. The Longs and their family escaped the Khmer Rouge Regime and were fortunate to be sponsored by the Westerbeke’s family, so arriving in Sonoma, California in 1981. Learning English was hard for him but he was determined. He went to S.R. J. C and he received a certificate in auto mechanics. After retirement his remaining time was spent caring for his grandchildren, studying the Bible and attending the Mormon Church.

Mr. Long was a kind, caring, loving and supportive father to all his family and friends. Smile to his children were a never ending gift. He was very generous with monetary donations to those in need, especially to children in Third World countries and to our government to show his gratitude for providing him and his family with the opportunity to come to the U.S.

Mr. Long was preceded in death by two of his children, Polly and Kosal Long. He is survived by his wife Than Kang, his children (Thavy, Savanna, Victor, Sophia, Chantom, Sokhomal and Rotona Long), respective spouses and families.

The memorial will take place on December 13, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 16280 La Grama St. Agua Callente. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mr. Long’s life. Interment will be at Valley Cemetery in Sonoma. Donations may be made to American Kidney Fund.

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“Katie” was born in San Francisco, CA on November 30, 1967 and was the third of four children born to Richard I. and Bernadette M. Buckley. Preceded in death by both parents, Katie passed away at home with family at her side on December 10, 2014. Katie leaves behind two children Brendon Joseph age 25 and Sierra Rosa age six, siblings Colleen, (Stephen) and Angelina Gatto of Vallejo, CA Kerry, (James), Jack and Shannon Gallagher of Petaluma, Ca and Rich, (Robin) and Morgan Buckley of Atherton, CA.

Katie called Sonoma County home after moving to Santa Rosa as a child in 1972. She attended school, gained employment and forged true lifelong friendships. Katie lived her life on her own terms, her strength and determination served her well as she managed to overcome obstacles that came her way.

The Buckley family would like to thank those friends who have spent countless days helping to support Katie throughout her illness. The unwavering support, tender care and true friendships you have given to our family are sincerely valued and very much appreciated.

A service will be held on Sunday December 14, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel located at 525 West Napa St. Sonoma, Ca 95476. A private interment will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma, CA.

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Robert Scott McIntosh, “Robbie” passed away unexpectedly October 3, 2014 at age 29 with his parents by his side. He was born May 13, 1985.

He is survived by his father, F. Scott McIntosh of Glen Ellen, California, mother Jennifer Holman McIntosh of Grass Valley, California and his sister Heather Linn McIntosh of Santa Rosa, California.

Rob is now at peace. Godspeed.

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