Leonor Gordenker

Leonor Gordenker
January 11, 1926 – July 30, 2025

Leonor Gordenker passed away peacefully at the age of 99, surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers. A lifelong resident of Sonoma, she was born on January 11, 1926, to Juan Batista Mori and Beatrice Mori.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allan Gordenker; her older brother, Carlos Mori; and her sister, Juanita Trombetta. She is survived by her younger brother, Bill Mori (Joyce), who resides in Boyes Springs.

Leonor attended Sonoma Valley schools, and it was during high school that she met Allan Gordenker - a young man from a Glen Ellen farming family. She, the spirited daughter of the founders of Sonoma Mission Market, and Allan built a full and vibrant life together, raising three children on their family turkey ranch.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Leonor played basketball and tennis during her school years, and later in life - once the turkeys and kids were grown - took up golf, which she played three times a week with great joy. She was also a generous and talented cook, known for her treasured family recipes and delicious baked goods. She spoke both Spanish and Italian and was an avid reader - often staying up into the early morning hours lost in a good book.

Her love of life extended far beyond the home. Deeply rooted in her community, Leonor served on the Sonoma County Fair Board and contributed to countless local causes and organizations with her signature energy and dedication.

In her later years, Leonor found joyful companionship once again with her elementary school classmate and dear friend, Walter Picchi. As true partners-in-crime, they shared more than 20 years of adventures and laughter - living just across the street from one another.

She was a woman of grit, humor, and tenacity—never one to turn down a lively conversation, tell a great joke, or share an evening “highball”, which she enjoyed with her signature sparkle and charm (and yes, she remained a flirt to the end).

Leonor leaves behind her three children: Christine Valente, Sylvia Bernard (Robert), and Peter Gordenker; her grandchildren: Felicia Valente (Lance), Allan (AJ) Valente (Alison), Michele Gendall (Tom), and Andrea Bernard (Cody); and her great-grandchildren: Alexander, Antonia, Niko, Paxton, and Penelope.

She will be remembered for her fierce spirit, generous heart, and boundless zest for life.

Friends and family are invited to attend Funeral Services, Friday, August 15, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476. 

Private interment St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Sonoma, CA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonor Gordenker, please visit our floral store.