Sharon Jean Poncia

Sharon “Sherry” Jean Poncia, born March 1, 1944, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, leaving behind a life remembered for kindness, resilience, and a deep love of gardening.

Sherry grew up on a ranch in Tomales, where she learned the value of hard work at a young age. Ranch life shaped her strong spirit and tireless work ethic. She carried that determination throughout her life and was known by those who loved her as someone who rarely allowed herself to rest when there was work to be done. Her strength, resilience, and dedication were an inspiration to her family and everyone who knew her.

Sherry worked for Dr. Sam Brown in Petaluma as a dental assistant for 30 years. When she had the opportunity to retire, she chose instead to continue working and joined Scott Laboratories, where she worked for another 10 years.

She found great joy in tending to her garden. It was her peaceful retreat and a place where her patience and care brought beauty to life. She loved watching flowers bloom, nurturing plants through the seasons, and sharing the simple happiness that comes from spending time outdoors. Those who knew her often remember her surrounded by blossoms, soil on her hands, and pride in the garden she so lovingly cared for. It brought her such joy to share the fruits of her labor with family, friends, and neighbors, a reflection of her generous and caring spirit. Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Lily (Del Curto) Poncia and Eugene Poncia, as well as her sisters, Eileen Pringle and Helen Cummins, and her son-in-law, James Spaletta Jr. Their memories remained close to her heart.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Tina (Rick) Adams and Lisa Spaletta. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Jesse (Bella) Adams, Travis Adams, Abrielle Spaletta, and Nicole Spaletta, and great-grandmother to Boone Adams.

Sherry will be remembered for her strength, her hardworking spirit, and the love she had for her family. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched, the family she loved so deeply, in every blooming flower and every peaceful moment spent in a garden.

A Vigil Service will be held, Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6pm at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, 850 Keokuk Street, Petaluma, CA 94952

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to The American Tinnitus Society or The American Cancer Society.