Norma Hansen Sorenson, 89, passed peacefully away on Friday, June 19, 2009, at home in Sonoma.
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Norma was a resident of Sonoma for 20 years. Prior to moving to Sonoma she lived in Kingsland, Texas.
She was the loving wife of the late George Sorenson, and the loving mother of Lorene Karpaty, Darlene Biese and George F. Sorenson. She was the loving grandmother of nine and the great-grandmother of seven. She had a sparkle that will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
At her request no formal services will be held. Inurnment in Kingsland Cemetery, Kingsland, Texas. Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Robert Travis Dunham, 81, of Sonoma, died June 22, 2009, at home in Sonoma. He was the beloved husband of the late Ethelyne J. Dunham and the loving father of Michael T. Dunham and Cynthia Durbin. He was the dear brother of Wayne Dunham of Oregon, Patrick Dunham of Glen Ellen and the late Garnett Earl Dunham. He was the adored grandfather of 5 and great grandfather of 7.
Robert was a Stationary Engineer for 39 years at the Sonoma Developmental Center. He was a member of The Sons of Italy, The Sonoma Moose Lodge since 1966, the retired Public Employees Association of Calif., and the National Rifle Association. He was a Merchant-Marine during WWII. He loved playing the guitar and dancing. He was a Sonoma resident since 1941 and a native of Electra, Texas.
Friends are invited to attend funeral services at Duggan’s Mission Chapel at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2009 Interment will follow at Valley Cemetery in the family plot. Donations to Hospice by the Bay in Robert’s memory are preferred.
Jacqueline Marie Gilmartin, 86, of Sonoma died June 20, 2009, in Sonoma, loving sister of Marilyn Magliulo of Sonoma and the late Helen J. Becker, Nancy Backman and James J. Gilmartin. She is survived by 13 nieces and nephews, 13 grand nieces and nephews, 6 great grand nieces and nephews, 11 cousins and many friends.
She was a fourth generation San Franciscan and a graduate of St. Vincent’s High School.
A private inurnment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in the family plot.
Donations to Sacred Heart Cathedral High School, San Francisco, would be appreciated.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma.
Martha Edna Montano was born on April 8, 1948 and passed away on May 22, 2009.
A native of La Paz, Bolivia, she moved to San Francisco in the early ‘70s with her husband Victor to raise her family. Eventually, Martha and her family moved to Sonoma and opened “Montano’s Gift Shop” on Highway 12 by Flowery School.
Martha was loved by children, animals, her family and friends, and all she came into contact with. Her gift shop of candy, ice cream and video games became an oasis for all the young children getting out of Flowery School each day. In addition to her sweetening them up with ice cream and candy (and her nurturing disposition), Martha served as the Flowery School crossing guard for many years. Due to her, scores of children did not only go home happy, but they came home safe.
Those who knew her, remember a woman of great humor, compassion, respect for all she came into contact with and a childlike innocence. In 1987, Montano Gift Shop closed as Martha and her family of two boys and two girls moved to upstate New York. It was there that her family grew to include two sons-in-law and a lovely daughter-in-law (as well as multiple grandchildren!). She eventually made it back to San Francisco where she spent her remaining years with her devoted husband Victor at her side.
Martha Montano was a fantastic cook, had a love of dogs, dolls, origami, reading, mysteries and knitting. Her love and compassion to all were fueled by her deep faith in the Catholic church. Above all, Martha loved her family (immediate and extended).
She leaves behind her loving husband Victor of more than 40 years; daughters Betty and Giovanna (Jim Crowe); Sons Mauricio (Sara) and Bryant (Jessica); grandchildren Maria, Vaughn, Colin, Austin. Audrey, Sierra, Jimmy and Mark; and extended family Joe, Philip, Miren and Bob Herrschaft.
Most importantly, she leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion draped with fond memories of all who knew her. Our lives have lost a bit of sweetness and innocence without her.
