Doni Lynn Bird

Doni Lynn Bird of Glen Ellen, CA. passed away peacefully on Friday, August 18, 2023, at the age of 80, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Doni was born on January 25, 1943, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in San Francisco to Donald and Vivian Wingate. She attended Douglas Elementary School and Jefferson High School in Daly City. After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1961, Doni received an Associate Degree in dental assisting from the City College of San Francisco and a Master’s Degree in Education from San Francisco State University. Doni met the love of her life, Dr. William F. Bird at a dental conference in California. A few short months later, Doni moved to New Mexico to be with Bill and began her career as the Director of the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of New Mexico. Doni and Bill were married in 1980 on the Wingate Family Ranch in Glen Ellen. In 1993, Doni began working as the Director of Dental Education at Santa Rosa Junior College where she taught for 19 years, retiring in 2012. Doni’s love of dentistry continued into retirement as co-author of Modern Dental Assisting, syllabus of dental assistance. In retirement, Bill and Doni enjoyed vacationing with their horses to Colorado where they trained at the Pat Parelli Ranch. Their love for their horses was immeasurable.

Doni enjoyed helping those in need, especially animals. She had a passion for horseback riding, hot air ballooning, dentistry, teaching, writing, and flying, so much so that Doni got her pilot’s license at the age of 18.  She had exceptional love and passion for family and friends and the many animals she considered family members over the years, especially her beloved horses and dogs. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, generous and caring heart.

Doni is survived by her nephew Christopher Landry (Catarina), niece and nephew Eliana & Bryden Landry, nephews Jim Vice (Tami), Jeff Vice (Shaun), stepdaughter Jennifer Schmidt (Brian), stepsons Keith Bird & Jon Bird, 9 grandchildren and numerous other loving family members and friends. Doni was predeceased by her father Donald Wingate, mother Vivian Wingate, stepfather Walter Hansen, spouse Dr. William F. Bird and sister Pamela Landry.

In a private Internment, Doni will be laid to rest with her late husband Dr. William F. Bird at the Veterans Memorial Park in Sonoma, Ca. The family welcomes friends to a celebration of Doni’s life on Friday September 15th, 2023 at 3pm. Location: 138 East Spain Street Sonoma, Ca.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doni’s name to the Golden Gate German Shepard Rescue, P.O. Box 2956, Alameda, CA 94501.

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