Delfinia "Della" Evangeline (Romero) Gerrans

Delfinia (Della) Gerrans of Rohnert Park, CA, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 14, 2023, at the age of 89.

Della was born in Los Pinos, New Mexico. There she lived with her parents, Victor and Natividad Romero, on the family ranch in Northern New Mexico, along with her large family of 12 siblings. Later, the family moved to Silverton, Colorado, where she graduated from high school in 1953.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grand and great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She was loved by everyone around her, a best friend to all, and she will be dearly remembered.

Della was especially known for her love of children. She fondly took care of all the kids around her including those of her friends. She had an ability to find joy in the small things and was always grateful for life's blessings. She had a genuine love for tending her garden, once saying that Heaven must be full of flowers.

Della will be deeply missed by her children: Debbie Lira, Renee Gerrans, and Lynda Tawney (Jeff). She was also a cherished grandmother to Eric Tawney (Jennifer), Andrea Tawney-Cunha (Onofre) and Jeremy Turetzky. She was an adored great-grandmother to Haley Reis, Hannah and Owen Cunha, Jacob, Adele, Eva, Mary and Eliza Tawney, and a very special great-great grandmother to Zander Reis.

Della is survived by four of her twelve siblings: Nellie Gallegos, Leonard Romero, Elva Hamrick, David Romero, and many nieces and nephews.

After leaving her family home in Colorado, Della moved to Sonoma County and settled in Rohnert Park, CA in 1962. It is there that she raised her family and was preceded in death by her husband James Gerrans, of 55 years.

Della worked for many years as a waitress in Sonoma County, which included such eateries as Beasleys, Little Switzerland, Washoe House, and the Manor Deli.

Outside of creating a wonderful family life, Della enjoyed the beauty of nature and being outdoors. During summer, she camped with her husband in their RV and was very fond of lakes and streams, and she delighted in the beauty of wildflowers and beach combing along the coastline. A beautiful sunset will always be a tribute to her graceful love.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 4, 2023, at 12 PM, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, in Sebastopol CA to honor Della’s memory. Because of Della’s love of children, in lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the playground project at St. Stephen’s.  It is Della’s wish that her ashes be placed in the St. Stephen’s garden, overlooking where the children play.

PLEASE NOTE: Please do NOT send flowers to the church as there will be no attendant to receive them prior to the service. Thank you.

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