Eleanor Marie (Cheney) Dossee

Cherished mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.  She was 88. 

Preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Nangle and brother, William Cheney, Ellie was the loving mother of four children, Katherine Ryan (Doug), Jennifer Nunes (Andrew), Mark Dossee (Ann), and Patti Llamas (Mike); and the beloved Grammy of 10 grandchildren, Jessica, Julia and Natalie (Katherine), Andrew Jr., Jake, Mitch and Sarah (Jennifer), and Katie, Kelly and Jessica (Patti). Ellie leaves behind her treasured sister, Nancie Steddin (John), her ex-husband, Robert Dossee, her sister-in-law, Eve Cheney; and her cherished nieces and nephews, John and Greg Steddin, Tom and Susan Nangle, Alexis Borrevik and Andrew Cheney.

Ellie was born on November 6, 1934 to her parents, William Cheney and Alice Moore Cheney.  A proud 3rd generation San Franciscan, she grew up in San Francisco’s Sunset District where she attended Holy Name Grammar School.  Ellie was a graduate of St. Rose Academy and Lone Mountain College where she honed her lifelong love of books and reading.

A natural beauty, Ellie, known as “the girl with the violet eyes,” worked as a librarian for the San Francisco Public Library until she began raising her growing family.

Ellie was a sweet, kind and intelligent woman. While quiet and graceful, Ellie embodied strength and resilience. She was a devout Catholic who enjoyed her many years working and volunteering at her beloved St. Leo’s Parish in Sonoma. She loved gardening and all types of flowers and she was known for her beautiful floral creations. Ellie was devoted to her family and she delighted in family gatherings. She loved decorating for all holidays, and she passed her special fondness for the Christmas season onto her children and grandchildren.

Ellie was loved dearly by many and will be forever missed.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Ellie’s life will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 601 Agua Caliente Rd. W, Sonoma, CA  95476.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Ellie’s name.

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