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Catalina Fernández Edmunson

Catalina Fernández Edmunson, 72, was found at home in Sonoma on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, having passed on from this life into heaven. She was a true angel to all who knew her, and she will always be remembered most for her humility, selfless, and caring ways, and enormous love for all, especially for her son, Miguel Edmunson, and for her extensive family and friends.

Our Tia Cata or Aunt "C" lived a full life always caring for Miguel and his special needs, or by delivering some small tokens of food to relatives or friends (we especially loved her taquitos with crema), or by simply engaging us in conversation about current TV shows or events, where we could hear her infectious laugh quite often. Her heart was so big, remembered all our birthdays, and she always enjoyed spending the most time with family, especially during our summer get-togethers and Thanksgiving dinners. She would always comment on how tall we (nieces/nephews) were getting, and how that made her feel so short ... her humor will be remembered. She was a huge fan of puzzles, playing cards, poker, dominoes, watching game shows and making trips to the local casinos. Tía Cata's favorite hobby was watching movies.

Catalina was born in Santa Inés, Michoácan, México, on Dec. 4, 1938. She was the second to last of 11 children to David and Ignacia Fernández. She made Sonoma her home for at least the past 50 years. She worked in many trades including retail work in Mexico, and in Sonoma cleaning homes, at Gordenker Farms with turkeys, and also at a convalescent home, where she met her husband, Ray Edmunson, who preceded her in death. Catalina committed her life to raising Miguel by herself, and was often found with him walking the bike path, attending Mass at St. Francis Solano and St. Leo's, or in one the numerous markets in town.

Catalina is survived by her son, Miguel Edmunson; two brothers, Gustavo and Crescencio Fernández; one sister, María del Refugio (Cuca) Fernández de Andrade; sisters-in-law, Letizia, Carmen, Elisa, Concepción, Josefina, Bertha and Elena Fernández; brother-in-law, David Andrade; countless nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

A message from the family: "We miss you Tía, always and forever and love you very much. Thank you for gracing us on earth with your caring, humor, and utmost beautiful love. May God grant you eternal peace."

Friends are invited to attend a vigil service at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at Duggan's Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1, at St. Francis Solano Church, 300 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476. Inurment immediately following at the Mountain Cemetery, 90 First St. W., Sonoma, CA 95476.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Catalina's honor can be made to a trust fund set up for her son, Miguel Edmunson for his care and needs. Inquiries can be made to Duggan's Mission, Mission Cremation Service at 996-3655 or www.duggansmissionchapel.com.

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:5