Aimee Yvonne Dooley

Aimee Yvonne Dooley passed away unexpectedly on April 10, 2014, in her home in Sonoma. She lived the last days of her life as she always had – with energy and enthusiasm.

Aimee was born to Floyd and Yvonne Ponischil, on Oct. 4, 1922, in Galveston, Texas, where she spent much of her youth. She was first married in 1943 and had a daughter, Maureen. She married Reesce Dooley in 1950 and they were married for 54 years, until Reesce’s death in 2004.

Aimee and Reesce created a wonderful life for Maureen and their three children, Liz, Kip and Tom, and Reesce’s son, Roland.

Though she never loved living on the turkey farm and hated the dust, she made a beautiful home in the midst of it, one that was filled with life and love and activity. She gave of her time to the church, to her community, to her kids, to people in need. She had a generous heart and was a great model for her children. Her family continues to hold warm memories of skiing adventures and summers in Capitola spent with great friends from Hollister, adventures that Aimee made happen.

She loved her work in real estate, loved the connections she made with her clients and colleagues. She created deep friendships in her years in Hollister, friendships that remained throughout her life.

She and Reesce retired to Whidbey Island, Washington, where they spent some of their best years together traveling, entertaining, fishing and crabbing. Aimee became a travel guide extraordinaire and loved sharing the islands with friends.

They eventually moved to Sonoma to a retirement center. Aimee quickly became active in the life of the retirement community and the life of the larger community of Sonoma.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reesce Dooley; and by her younger brother, John Ponischil. She is survived by her children, Maureen (Charles and daughter, Kate), Liz (Bruce), Kip (Peter), Tom, Roland (Barbara and children, Ben and Sarah). She is also survived by her brother, Douglas Ponischil; nieces and nephews; her favorite cousins, Bill and Amy Douglas, and her loving friend and companion, Len Rosner.

A private graveside service was held in Hollister on April 18, 2014.

Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice By The Bay, 190 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA, 95476. They were invaluable in the last weeks of her life.