Diana D. Tolpegin

Diana Doyle Tolpegin was joyfully reunited with her husband Andre Tolpegin on March 3rd, 2022. She passed peacefully at their beautiful home in Sonoma, with her children and son-in-law at her side. Truely, “She flies with her own wings” now.

Diana Lovinia was born in Portland, Oregon on April 9, 1937, to William Matthew Doyle and Amelia Kiblan Doyle. Diana had many adventures as a young girl traveling around the country, as her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. Diana affectionately referred to herself during this time in her childhood as an “army brat” and it is where she developed both a love and appreciation of travel as well as a strong desire to build a home and have her family in one place – with traveling as a hobby, not a job. Diana went to many different schools, lived in many different states and countries. She left her beloved Oregon to spend her senior year in high school in Long Island, NY, but she returned home to the Beaver State for her collegiate studies at Oregon State. Diana spent those summers during college traveling with her family to Japan, where her father was stationed. She spent many months in Okinawa, Tokyo, Nara and Yokohama. During her time back in Corvallis, she was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority where she developed many enduring friendships and has enjoyed many wonderful reunions with her fellow Thetas over the years.

After graduating, Diana moved to San Francisco and began working in various fields. Most notably she was a political campaign staffer for Pierre Salinger, the Senator and Press Secretary to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. She also worked in tax preparation, at Dean Witter, and as a fashion model. Diana loved design, both interior and fashion, often making her own clothes.

In 1960, Diana met the love of her life, Andre Tolpegin. They were married on February 24, 1962, at St. Vincent de Paul Church. Diana and Andre raised their children, Bill and Anne (and dog Lewis) in the Richmond District of San Francisco, in foggy Sea Cliff. Diana and her husband were involved in several activities at their children’s schools, Burkes and Town. Diana reveled at being a wonderful mother and homemaker, but eventually found a happy new home: a strong connection with SF University High School. She was honored to spend years as a Trustee and Board Chair at UHS, and ultimately became the school’s Director of Development for 10 years. There, she combined her love of interior design and finance by running the annual one and only San Francisco Decorator Showcase for many years; raising vital funds for the school’s financial aid program and helping to launch freshman local SF designers while showcasing the City’s senior design veterans. She also worked closely with her Catholic church of Saint Edwards and was the President of the San Francisco Junior League.

Diana and Andre were avid music lovers and were longtime subscribers to the San Francisco Opera and Symphony, where Andre’s Father was a violist. They spent many years traveling the wide world as lovers of history, art and literature, discovering and collecting antiques and making new friends along the way. They also spent over 30 summers enjoying the peaceful glory of the high Sierras in Plumas County at their beloved Feather River Resort. They were enthusiastic students during the winemaking boom in California, and each Fall Diana and her family could be found picking grapes in Oakville for the grand production of what they affectionally called “the worst wine ever”- a well-loved hobby between close family friends.

Diana was a fierce fan of the 49ers, Giants and Warriors. She enjoyed many years of downhill and cross-country skiing, tennis, and golf – although often golf ended before 18 holes with a strong gin and tonic to heal her bruised ego. Diana was a phenomenal entertainer and loved cooking and baking. Everyone was welcome at their table; she and Andre threw frequent wonderful dinner parties and impromptu gatherings over the years; with the laughter and satisfied full bellies of their guests keeping them firmly planted until late in the evenings.

Diana was an avid gardener, with a permanent green thumb and a true love of the art and science of landscaping, devoted to her rose gardens. She started an investment group for women in the Bay Area, popular before its time; and enjoyed many wonderful years with friends and neighbors in Sonoma where she and Andre retired in 2005. There she was part of an engaging women's book club, a delicious Pu Pu group, a challenging Bridge group, the marvelous Vintage House where Andre was President for many years, and the Sonoma Salon group. They were faithful parishioners at St Francis Solano Church, attending weekly Sunday 9am mass there.

Diana was a generous cherished friend, thoughtful mentor, devoted mother and beautiful soul. She will be missed dearly, and fondly remembered. She is survived by her son Bill (Tanya), daughter Anne (Blake Stadnik), grandchildren Vale and Nik and furry grandchildren Sherlock and Snowy.

There will be a Funeral Mass at St. Francis Solano Church, 469 Third Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476 on Saturday, March 26th at 11am. A gathering to celebrate Diana’s full life will be immediately following at 605-6th Street East, Sonoma, CA 95476. Diana and Andre will rest in peace together at St. Francis Cemetery in Sonoma.

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