At 81 years of age, Rosline Yogman, commonly known as Wonny to many, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Wonny was the youngest of eight siblings. At 18 she moved to Jacksonville, Florida to live with her beloved sisters, Fran and Bertha. While on a blind date, she met Joesph Yogman who proposed two days later. Wonny married Joe at age 21. They started a family and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina and to Little Silver, New Jersey before they settled down for the next 25 years in Maitland, Florida. Wonny had three children, Holly Heuerman, Shelly Yomano, and Shari Glago.
While in Florida, Wonny opened a popular pizza restaurant known as Tom’s Pizza in Orlando. She started out offering the traditional pizza and Italian subs, but soon introduced her delicious hot pastrami and cheese subs, homemade soups, and her acclaimed chili. Wonny was well-loved by her customers as she always made time for everyone, listening to their troubles and celebrating their joys. After many years as owner and chef, she closed her business and began a successful 10-year career as hostess and V.I.P. concierge at the Lake Buena Vista Palace Hotel. Though she enjoyed living in Florida, California called and in 1994 she moved to Glen Ellen to live with her daughter Shari, son-in-law Eran Glago, and grandchildren Rachel and Ethan, who referred to her as Bubby. Bubby, meaning grandmother in Yiddish, became her permanent nickname to many close friends.
Twelve years later Wonny moved with the family to the town of Sonoma. During her 17 years in Sonoma Valley, Wonny volunteered for many local charities. She was often found at the Vintage House working for the Council on Aging’s Sonoma Valley Respite program or at Dunbar Elementary School helping second graders with their reading. Wonny was a strong advocate for adult literacy and volunteered for many years back in Florida, teaching immigrants to read and write English as a second language. Wonny was also a strong supporter of the Sonoma Valley Mentor Center and a loyal mentor herself at Dunbar School. She was also an active member of the Sonoma Lions Club.
Wonny was the type of person who, between the time she stood at the back of a line in the grocery store to the time she arrived at the cash register, would have learned the entire life history of everyone in the line with her. She was just that type of gifted individual in whom strangers and friends alike wanted to confide, share their trials and tribulations, and lean on for comfort and words of wisdom. Wonny was the kindest, most selfless person one could meet. Her heart was as big as Cindy Lou Who’s, and would most definitely have made the Grinch jealous. Her gentleness and compassion were evident to everyone who knew her. She loved everyone unconditionally and without judgment.
Wonny is survived by her children Shari, Shelly, and Holly, son-in-law Eran, daughter-in law Lorraine, grandchildren Rachel, Ethan, Jessica, Kenny, and Jennifer, and eight great-grandchildren, as well as her dearest friend and beloved caregiver, Peggy Mather.
In her memory, Wonny asked that people pay their respects by making donations to the Play On! Foundation either at www.playonfoundation.org or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 239, Sonoma, CA 95476. This non-profit foundation was started by her family seven years ago to help financially disadvantaged girls to play soccer. As Wonny’s grandchildren were heavily involved in competitive sports, her love for athletics grew as she watched them and their friends play throughout the years. Wonny will be missed by all those whose lives she touched.
Arrangements cared for under the direction of Duggan’s Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476. Inquiries can be made to 996-3655 or duggansmissionchapel.com.
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