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Virginia Guisness Leland

Oct. 8, 1924-March 14, 2011

Virginia was born in Portland, Ore., to parents Capt. Earl Guisness, USCG, and Kay Guisness, former residents of Sonoma.

She and her brother, Bud Guisness (also a former resident of Sonoma) moved from coast to coast with their military family. As a child, she lived in Boston, Mississippi and graduated from Alameda High School. She attended the University of Oregon majoring in Early Childhood Education and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority.

In 1944, she married Capt. Bainbridge B. Leland (USCG). They celebrated 67 years of marriage and had four children: Capt. Rod Leland (USCG deceased) and wife, Lynne, of Astoria, Ore.; Bud and wife, Jeanne Leland, of Sacramento; Dr. Ted and wife, Stefanie Leland, of Stockton; and Kate Leland, of Sonoma.

Following in her deceased parents' footsteps, Virginia and Bain retired to Sonoma where they were very active with the Sonoma Valley Hospital Auxiliary. Like her mother before her, she operated the "As Is" shop on the square for many years. She served as president of the auxiliary, managed the "Surgery Waiting" staffing and was awarded Volunteer of the Year.

Her passion was always young children, and during her lifetime she not only raised four of her own children, she also worked as a nursery school teacher and administrator. Her love and experience made her a terrific grandmother to her six grandchildren: Shannon Leland Miek, Brad Leland, Mason Leland, Tyler Leland Schneidman, Amanda and Bo Leland; and her eight great-grandchildren.

Her memory remains in the heart of her family who would like to thank both O'Connor Woods and Somerford in Stockton for their exemplary and loving care.

At her request, services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in Virginia's name to the Sonoma Valley Hospital Auxiliary, c/o Sonoma Valley Hospital, 347 Andrieux St., Sonoma, CA 95476.