Ana Maria Wilkinson

Ana Maria Wilkinson, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away in Petaluma, CA on June 12, 2021 at the age of 88. Ana was born in Guatemala City on April 2, 1933 to Juan Amezquita and Maria Coronado.  She was welcomed into her Aunt and Uncle, Mercedes and Manuel Coronado's family upon the death of her mother Maria Coronado during childbirth. She was loved by her cousins, who became her new big sisters Concha and Mercedes (deceased), and brother Manolo, (deceased).  She is survived by her children David (Susan) Wilkinson, Joseph (Sally) Wilkinson, Maria (Frank) Stranzl, Nita (Brian) Robinson, Elena (Dave) Dibble, twelve grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren who loved her dearly.  She was sadly predeceased in death by her beloved husband of 68 years Bill Wilkinson on April 1, 2021, and her son Phillip Wilkinson on December 25, 2015.

Ana graduated from Presentation High in 1951. This was an accomplishment, given that she only arrived in the United States at the age of 13. Her family was granted asylum in 1946 and lived in San Francisco. She quickly assimilated into the American lifestyle, but always held her Guatemalan roots close to her heart. One of the proudest moments of her life was when she became a citizen of the United States in 1995.

Her family lived for a time on McAllister Street next to a Boarding House for USF students. It was there that she met the love of her life William (Bill) Wilkinson.  Ana was not shy and loved a good party! She truly enjoyed music and dancing and was a wiz at the game of jacks. They married on February 14, 1953.  She delved into being a mother to their six children and was always actively involved in their many activities.  After a couple of moves, she and Bill settled in San Anselmo, CA when Bill took a teaching job at Redwood High School.

Ana made sure her children were raised in the Catholic Faith. She became actively involved with the Saint Anselm’s Parish and School community.  She hosted many a bridge night with her St. Anselm’s friends. Her kids could always count on her for their well packed bag lunches, her happy smile on hot dog day, or behind the CYO and Little League snack bar.  She chauffeured them around to all of their games and events.

Ana always worked hard and demonstrated this work ethic to her kids.  She waitressed many years at Juarez’s, Don Miguel’s and finally at Las Camelias.  She loved to cook and taught Mexican Cuisine Classes for a time.  She did this while being the main caregiver to her kids and prided herself on keeping an immaculate house. Her line was always that “when I die they might say I was mean, but I was clean!”

Ana was an avid Bay Area sports fan.  Her competitive spirit came out during these games. She embraced her husband’s Forever Faithful attitude, and she could be heard using lots of colorful language while watching the games!  Though she embraced American sports, she also enjoyed soccer.  She could be heard cheering and jeering during every World Cup and Olympic match.

After becoming empty nesters, Ana moved with Bill to Petaluma. They joined the Saint James Parish and loved going to their functions.  In her later years, Ana Maria enjoyed traveling with her husband.  Her happiest trips, though, were to Hawaii to visit her son Joe and his family.   She was all about family and they were her everything.  She loved getting them together for the holidays and set up huge Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts, and wonderful Easter egg hunts.

Ana Maria was the woman behind the man, and supported Bill and their children through good times and bad. They stayed devoted to each other until their deaths.  She will be greatly missed.

A funeral Mass will be held on July 8th, 11:00 at St. James Catholic Church, 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma. Reception to follow at The Elks Lodge. The family would like to Thank Hospice of Petaluma for all their care and support.  In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Petaluma.

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