Dorothy Aiko Shimizu

Dorothy Aiko Shimizu - Dorothy Aiko Shimizu of Cotati passed away August 19, 2011 at the age of 82. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Martin, and her children Mark (Laurie), Bruce (Karen), Julene Leach (Tim), Arnold, Darlene and Paula. Grandchildren Daniel (Katy) Leach, Angela Shimizu, Thomas Leach, Chad Taylor, Katie Shimizu, James Winters, Joe Winters, Cecelia Shimizu, Ty Shimizu and Ronald Shimizu. Dorothy lived as a child on the Rohnert Seed Farm. Dorothy, along with her father, ran a produce stand in the farmerâ??s market, which is now Montgomery Village. After graduating from Petaluma High School, she attended beauty school and sewing school in San Francisco. While attending school she worked for her Aunt June who was a fashion designer in San Francisco. After graduating from school she returned to Sonoma County and worked as a beautician for 40 years. Dorothy was loved by so many and had numerous adopted children and grandchildren. She was an avid gardener and loved sharing her plants and flowers with others. She was also a fabulous self-taught baker and was famous for her cream puffs and apple pies. Donations can be made to Enmanji Buddhist Temple-Building Fund or Sonoma County Taiko. Friends are invited to attend the memorial service Saturday, August 27 at 11:00am at Enmanji Buddhist Temple-Memorial Hall, 1200 Gravenstein Hwy., South, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma. Dorothy lived over 80 years in Sonoma County. She was an integral member of the Enmanji Buddhist Temple, The Sonoma County Japanese American Citizens League and an avid supporter of Sonoma County Taiko.