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Mom's short obituary, actually a death notice, should appear in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat on Sunday, September 4. It is not yet decided when the Marin Independent Journal one will be published. Here is a longer version:

VIRGINIA M. LANGHOFF, AKA Dolly Witsch, born Mill Valley Feb. 19, 1921, died peacefully, lucid until the end, in Petaluma Aug. 2, 2016 with four of her children in attendance and the other in constant telephone contact.

Dolly grew up in Sausalito where her mother Evelyn Stritmatter was born.  The youthful  Dolly swam in the bay and hiked the hills with her brothers and cousins of the Strittmatter and Witsch clans. She attended Tamalpais High School. She worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at Marin Ship during WW II and was a working mom until she retired.

Her surviving children, Frank Foreman of Santa Cruz, Dianne Terrell of Carmel, Donna Turner of Paradise, Joe Martin of Coloma, Michigan and John Langhoff of Yountville, are thankful for her of gentle loving care nearly a century. Sons Arthur Langhoff and Dennis Langhoff predeceased her. She is survived by 14 grandchildren, 10 great grand children with another due this month,and 2 great great grand children. Nearly all had the pleasure of knowing Grandma Dolly, the last of her generation. 

Dolly’s love of nature and animals was an inspiration for all who were fortunate enough to hike with her. She hiked the hills of Marin and Sonoma with knowledge and pleasure for more than 85 years. She last hiked with her hiking group in May.

She worked in her treasured garden until the weeks before her death. Watching and feeding the birds attracted to her garden brought  her joy until the end.

She was the real thing, without pretense or guile. Dolly was a true friend and a parent who never interfered in the lives of her children. Her generosity and good hurmor were legendary.

She was an active member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West for more than 55 years and a member of the butchers' union.

She wrote: “Remember me with smiles and laughter. If you remember me with sadness and tears, then don’t remember me at all.”

At her request, there will be no public memorial. Family and friends will conduct simple and private remembrances in celebration of a life well lived. If you would like to honor memory, donations can be made to the Sonoma County Animal Shelter, or any  charitable organization of your choice supporting children, the preservation of Nature and humane treatment of animals.