Dorothy Marie Riney Getchell

Our precious mother Dorothy Marie Getchell passed from this life on Valentines Day, February 14, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy Marie was born in Owensboro, Kentucky on April 10, 1919 to Francis Guerdon and Mabel Catherine Riney. Dorothy was the second oldest of ten children, and the fourth of the ten to depart. Dorothy married Harold Getchell and moved to California in 1945; first to Healdsburg, then Santa Rosa, and finally Petaluma in 1956. She resided in Petaluma for 54 years, spending her final 20 months at Mercy McMahon Terrace in Sacramento. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold, following 42 years of marriage. Dorothy is survived by her four daughters: Carolyn Young (husband Tom and children Lindsay, Casey, and Zachary); Jan Canfield (husband Ken and children Chris, Kara, Greg, Angela, and Mike); Cheri Getchell (Bill Mattson); and Jill Malone (husband Bob and children Matt, Katy Rose, and Tyler). In addition to 11 grandchildren, Dorothy was blessed to have eight great grandchildren. Dorothy had many, many friends in Petaluma, and was an active and devoted member of St. Vincents Catholic Church for over 50 years. In the mid 1960s, she began work in the office of Viacom Cable Vision, and retired as office manager in 1990 with the respect of all with whom she worked. As all who knew her would attest, Dorothy Marie was a lovely lady who was outgoing, kind, compassionate, and sweet. Dorothy Marie cared for her wide circle of friends, for example her dear friend Jo Traversi, whom she loving cared for until Jo's death. The residents at Mercy McMahon loved her sweet smile and the twinkle in her eyes. Dorothy Marie was so special to so many people. May she now rest in peace with the Lord. A Rosary will be held at St. Vincents Church at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 16 th . A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Vincents Church on Friday, February 17 th at 10:00 a.m. Private internment. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to St. Vincents Catholic Church, 35 Liberty Street, Petaluma, Ca., 94952.