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Dolores Brantley Eagle

  Dolores Brantley Eagle died on May 30, 2012, aged 98 years, in her home in Sonoma, surrounded by five of her children. Born on Aug, 14, 1913, in Eureka, Dolores was 2 years old when her family moved to Orland, where they farmed almonds. Following her graduation from Orland High School, Dolores moved to Marin County to attend Dominican College and received a BA in sociology (’35) and a master’s in social work (’36). At the time of her death, she was one of Dominican University’s oldest surviving alumni and benefactors.

  In 1938, Dolores married Alexander Eagle and moved to San Francisco, where they lived for 40 years and raised their six children. During that time they traveled extensively, enjoyed the theater, symphony, museums and all that city life had to offer. Dolores always knew the best restaurants, entertainment, events and took her family on countless cultural adventures.

  After raising her children, Dolores utilized her college degrees, becoming a social worker for the State of California and specializing in adoptions. She considered this work one of her life’s greatest accomplishments, helping build the foundation for many happy families.

  Dolores and Al retired to Sonoma in 1975, and Dolores quickly made many new friends through her volunteer work. She was a member of the Historical Society of Sonoma and a committed volunteer for FISH. With unflagging energy and in robust health, Dolores drove FISH patients for years to their doctors’ appointments (many of the seniors were 20, even 30, years her junior). Dolores greeted each day with enthusiasm, curiosity and a positive attitude. She was gracious, generous, modest, gentle, kind and caring. She was also a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. As her husband Al often said, “She never met a person she didn’t like.”

  Dolores’ life will forever be celebrated through her six children: Alexander Eagle III (Marsha), of Los Gatos, Diana Corbett, Kathy Eagle and Barbara Lindsay (Martin), of San Anselmo, Brian Eagle (Debra), of Sonoma and Mimi McAlees (Rick), of Glen Ellen, as well as through her 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

  The family would like to thank everyone who took such wonderful care of Dolores during the last five years of her life. At the family’s request no funeral services will be held.

  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Sonoma or FISH.