My mother's obituary
Constance Vivian Pomeroy Sabin of Penngrove, CA died peacefully after a long series of illnesses on Friday, June 5, 2009 at Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa, CA. Just a few of the titles she earned during her 77 years on Earth include devoted daughter, beloved wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, skillful nurse, wise teacher, loyal friend, accomplished craftswoman, and fierce advocate for the disadvantaged.
Connie was born on December 1, 1932 in San Francisco, CA, the only child of Beatrice and David Pomeroy. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from University of California, Berkeley, and went on to complete her nursing degree at University of California, San Francisco. She also earned her Geriatric Nurse Practitioner degree from UCSF, and a Juris Doctor degree from Empire College.
She initially won the attentions of her future husband with a lemon meringue pie -- on February 11, 2009, Connie and Charles celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary.
After her three children were born, the family relocated from San Francisco to Pacifica. She was involved in every aspect of their education as a founding member of the Laguna Salada Alternative School and 4-H leader. She was also an active member of the community as a charter member of the Amused Carrot food co-op, the American Association of University Women, and the League of Women Voters.
The family moved to Sonoma County in 1977. She returned to nursing as a neonatal intensive care unit specialist, but shifted to geriatric care when she was hired as the director of nursing at Maralie Hospital. She spent many years striving to improve access of care for Sonoma County's senior residents.
Her strong sense of justice and desire to help others led her to serve as an advocate for children in public schools and for victims of domestic violence. Stewardship of the land and politics were also important to her. She earned her Ham Radio license (KF6CLJ), and used her knowledge to volunteer at the side of her husband for the California Department of Forestry.
Her passions included music, reading, leatherwork, photography, fishing, and quilting.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Sabin, of Penngrove, CA, and her children: Katje Sabin (William Gilliland) of Kansas City, MO; David Sabin of Union, WA; and Amanda Johnson (Ken) of Syosset, NY. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Cordell Newmiller of Kyushu, Japan; Julia Newmiller, of Worcester, MA; and Clayton Newmiller and Lincoln Gilliland, of Kansas City, MO. She is also survived by her stepbrother, James Rae (Florine), of Carmichael, CA.
Her remains will be scattered at sea by the Neptune Society. Her family would like to thank all the many health professionals and caregivers who eased Connie's suffering. A special thanks is extended to Connie's church family, who buoyed her spirits during her most challenging hours, and to Gonzalo and Lilia Cisneros, who cared for Connie's garden and home with great kindness.
A celebration of Connie's life will be held on Monday, June 22, at 2 p.m. at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 5476 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. The family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Esther Fund, a program she created to aid women in need. Please send donations to the above address, made out to "Cross & Crown Church" and noting "Esther Fund/Connie" in the memo field.
Of course, any friends in the area are certainly welcome to join the celebration, whether you knew her personally or not... she was always up for meeting new folks, and she definitely subscribed to the notion of "the more, the merrier!" It would also be fabulous to meet/visit with you.
Julia arrived yesterday, and has been a huge help. She even got to visit a bit with my Aunt Kathy, who hadn't seen her since she was about four. The boys arrive tomorrow.
My days have been filled with the search for photos... my mom was always shooting pictures, and we have about a million of the kids, but there are very, very few shots of HER. One rich source of images involved donning a full hazmat suit... photographic evidence and story coming up soon. Julia and I are down to the last few boxes, and I'll start scanning in earnest once my laptop arrives.
A million thanks to the friends back in KC who are helping with Bill and the boys.
Back to the picture mines...