Obituaries
Donis Lee Moorhouse, 83, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2009 at home in Sonoma. Donis was born on June 17, 1926 to Herbert and Celia Slinker in Pasadena, Calif. She was an interior decorator for 15 years and a 28-year resident of Sonoma. Her hobbies included art, cooking, interior design, landscaping and gardening to name a few.
Donis is survived by her loving children Scott (and wife Carmela) Moorhouse, of Denver, Colo., and Janice Moorhouse, of Mill Valley, Calif., and her brother, Al Slinker.
Friends and family attended a celebration of her life on Friday, July 31, 2009 at Donis’ home. Private Inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of any gift, memorial contributions in Donis’ honor can be made to the American Cancer Society, Sonoma Unit, 400 North McDowell Boulevard, Petaluma, CA 94954. Arrangements and cremation handled under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel and Mission Cremation Service.
Barbara Joanne (Zgraggen) Carlson passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at the age of 80. She was a native of San Francisco, born October 18, 1928. She attended Notre Dame de Victoires Grammar School, and the Immaculate Conception Academy.
Barbara met the love of her life, Donald, when she was 16 and counted the minutes until her parents would allow her to marry at the age of 18. Barbara and Don were married the very next day, on October 19, 1946. As a result of this magical union, they were blessed with five children.
Barbara gave support to her husband, while he was an officer in the San Francisco Police Department for 25 years. She also worked at various occupations before becoming a full-time mother and homemaker.
Most important after family and friends was her devotion to the American Legion Auxiliary, of which she was a member for over 70 years. During that time, she served in many capacities at the Unit, District, State and National levels. She was honored by her election in 1968 to the office of Department President for the State of California. Her term used the theme “Carlson’s Creators.”
Throughout her lifetime, she enjoyed being a member of various recreational leagues including the Marin Women’s Bowling League, the Tiburon Women’s Tennis League and the Sonoma Valley Tennis Association.
One of her passions was the San Francisco ‘49ers, of which she was a long-time season ticket holder. She lived to tailgate with her family, while watching the “Team of the Decade.”
In support of her children, she was an active member of St. Hilary’s PTA and the Marin Catholic Women’s Club as President in 1971. She could always be found (and heard) cheering for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their numerous sporting events.
Barbara’s final good time was a road trip to Reno with her daughters for the total Il Divo experience. As a bonus, she also managed to hit several jackpots on the slots.
Barbara is survived by her five loving children: Donald (Joan), Mark, Barry (Victoria), Paula Rae (David) Fromer and Stacie (Brian) Andel.
Barbara always said that her contribution to the world – and clearly her greatest joy – was her grandchildren: Steven (Tiffany) and Paul Carlson; Patricia (Ron) Smith and Amy Carlson, and their mother, Sharon Carlson; Bryan Carlson, and his mother, Joey Ghiringhelli; Tierney, Trevor and Trey Carlson; Christopher, Jacob and Shawn Fromer; and Kerrigan and Regan Andel. Barbara adored her three great-grandchildren: Alexys Bingham, Bryce Smith, and Nathan Carlson. Barbara is also survived by her younger brother, Bill, his wife, Helen, and their family.
Barbara enjoyed many good years, times, trips and meals with her companion, Jack Flynn, for which her family is deeply grateful. Barbara was preceded in death by her loving and adoring husband of 38 years, Donald LeRoy Carlson, her parents, Paul and Rafaela Zgraggen, and her brother, Kenneth.
Visitation was held at Duggan’s Mission Chapel on Sunday, August 2, 2009 and a funeral mass at St. Leo’s Catholic Church was held Monday, August 3, 2009. Private burial at San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio. Donations may be made to American Legion Auxiliary, War Memorial Building, 401 Van Ness Avenue, Room 113, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Mom, it was a great trip but now it’s time to go home and see Dad. Love from us all, good night, rest well. We’ll have UPS forward your QVC boxes!
Henry Valencia Jr. passed away at his home in Glen Ellen, Calif., surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, July 26, 2009, he was 53. He was the beloved husband of Ann; (28 years); he was the loving father of Jennifer, Kristen, Danny and Steve. He is also survived by his mother, Ana Valencia and by his father-in-law Bruce Thompson; by his four brothers; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Valencia Sr., and by his mother-in-law, Mary Thompson.
A native of San Francisco, born on November 26, 1955, Sonoma Valley was his home for the past 20 years.
A warm and loving person, whose smile could light up a room, he was a caring and devoted provider, and proud owner of North Bay Auto Works. Henry will be missed by all who knew him.
Friends and family attended a memorial mass on Monday, August 3, 2009 at St. Francis Solano Catholic Church. Private Inurnment, Mountain Cemetery, Sonoma, Calif.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel.
Thomas Joseph Plume, passed away suddenly on July 28, 2009, in San Francisco, he was 52. A native of San Francisco, born July 27, 1957 to the late Thomas Edward and Maureen Anne (Byrne) Plume. He and his family made Sonoma their home for the last 13 years.
A Graduate of Riordan High School, class of 1975, he later became a state traffic officer with the California Highway Patrol where he worked for 17 years.
He is survived by his wife, Heidi (28 years), and their four children; Christina, Tommy, Kevin and Joey; by his son-in-law, Brad Faustino; by his brothers; Steven, John and the late Gary Plume; by his sister Theresa Plume; sister-in-law, Rosa Plume; by his niece Marina Plume; by his Uncle and Aunt Joseph and Mary Byrne; and his late Aunt Colleen (Byrne) Garvey, by numerous extended family, cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 601 West Agua Caliente Road, Sonoma, CA 95476, Friday, August 7, 2009 at noon.
Inurnment immediately following the Mass at Mountain Cemetery, 90 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476.
Arrangements under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel; Mission Cremation Service, 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476.
