In Loving Memory of Christy Silacci (1947–2026)

Christy Silacci, a lifelong resident of Petaluma, whose spirit and artistic vision touched the lives of friends and family, passed away peacefully at home on May 6, 2026. She was 78 years old.

Born in Petaluma in 1947 to Hans and Joy Raven (Thompson), Christy’s roots in the local community ran deep. She attended Two Rock School and Petaluma Junior High before graduating from Petaluma High School with the Class of 1965. During those years, she was a proud member of the Petaluma Junior Riders drill team. Her education later took her to Stephens College in Missouri and Fresno State, but her heart always belonged to the town she called home.

She was a woman of many talents and even more friendships. She possessed a big personality and the rare gift of making friends with anyone. She knew everyone in town, a trait forged through years of service and community involvement. Among her many roles over the years, she was a familiar face at the Sonoma-Marin and Sonoma County Fairs, an original staff member at the opening of Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma, and a dedicated librarian at Two Rock School.

Christy was always extremely creative and was a renowned folk artist, celebrated for her whimsical, one-of-a-kind creatures and animals. Her creative process was a labor of love, and she was always on the lookout for "found treasure" when scouring roadsides, junkyards, flea markets, and garage sales to find the perfect elements to include in her characters. 

As one of the original organizers of the "Halloween & Vine" show, she helped create a cherished local tradition that brought together artists and collectors from all over to celebrate the whimsical and the macabre. Her work was featured in publications like Mary Engelbreit Magazine and Stuffed, appeared in exhibitions throughout California, and earned a devoted following of collectors nationwide.

Christy was also a true adventurer and a spiritual seeker. Whether she was exploring the wonders of Egypt, Machu Picchu, and Turkey, or trailer camping in the wilderness with dear friends, she embraced life with curiosity. Her curiosity also led her on a deep spiritual journey where she spent years with the Church of Divine Man and the Spirit Horse community, exploring spiritual healing and the practice of psychic readings.

Above all else, Christy loved her family. She was deeply devoted to them and shared an especially close and precious bond with her grandchildren, sometimes bragging to her friends about the conversations she would have with them.

Christy is survived by her husband, Larry; her two sons, Lucas and Douglas; and her three beloved grandchildren: Justice, Hannah, and Maxwell. She is also survived by her brother, Bruce Raven, and her sister, Trina Corda (Raven). She was preceded in death by her parents, Hans and Joy Raven.

While no formal services will be held, a celebration of Christy’s life will take place at the Family Ranch in Bloomfield on June 13th at 11:00 AM. Lunch will be available after 12:00 PM.

In Lieu of Flowers The family requests that donations be made in Christy’s honor to Doctors Without Borders or Forgotten Felines.