Barbara Jean Maffei Thomsen

Barbara Jean passed away on Aug. 8, 2014, after a long illness. Born on Sept. 5, 1924, she was the daughter of Oliver and Kathleen Maffei. She was the first baby born at the Sonoma Hospital when it was located on Burndale Road. She lived in Sonoma her entire life, and attended local schools. She was a 1942 graduate of Sonoma Valley High School and earned a block letter as a standout on the school tennis team.

After high school, during World War II, she worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard as a secretary. She worked as a court clerk for the Sonoma County Municipal Court when it was located upstairs in Sonoma’s City Hall from 1955 until she retired in 1975. After her retirement, she was appointed to the Sonoma County Grand Jury. She was also very active in the Catholic Charities organization for many years.

In 1945, she married Pat McKenna. They had two children, son Jim, and daughter Kathy. After Barbara and Pat divorced in 1966, she married Jes Thomsen. She and Jes spent many happy years together until his death in June of 2013.

Barbara is survived by her son, Jim McKenna (Joey); daughter, Kathy McKenna Perry (Rich); granddaughter, Jennifer Caramucci; and great-grandchildren, McKenna and Garrett Caramucci. She is also survived by her stepson, Lawrence Thomsen (Bonnie); and her brother, Allen “Bud” Maffei (Bernadette), and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life at the Swiss Hotel in the Stone Room from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22. All of Barbara’s family and friends are welcome to attend.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Barbara’s name.