Thora E. Neal

Thora E. Neal - assed away peacefully in Petaluma after a short illness with her family by her side on August 23, 2008. Born in Petaluma to Viggo and Martina Nissen on February 8, 1913 where she went to school and graduated from Petaluma High School. She took piano and organ lessons and played the organ for the Congregational Church for many years. She accompanied numerous vocalists over the years as well as the Minstrels singing group and classmate, Lloyd Bridges, in a high school musical production. After high school, she married the love of her life, Norman Neal, of Two Rock on September 19, 1937. They moved to Two Rock and lived on the family ranch for the 51 years of their wonderful marriage. She has been very active with the Two Rock Presbyterian Church where she was organist for 60 years and started the annual turkey dinner over 50 years ago. In addition to her church, Thora loved her family and friends, her Eastern Star life, her bridge clubs and her garden. Her most loved flowers were roses which were picked and brought into the house for all to enjoy. Thora was preceded in death by her husband, Norman and her sisters Edna, Thelma and Elsbeth. She is survived by her daughter, Joan Drees and husband, Larry, her son Richard and his wife, Eleanor; grandchildren David Drees, Scott and Mark Neal, 5 great grandchildren, a nephew and nieces. The family would like to express a special thank you to nurses and physicians who cared for her during her last days at Petaluma Valley Hospital in the ER, ICU and the Comfort Care Unit. Their attentiveness and kindness to her and to the family are greatly appreciated. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at 11 AM on Saturday, September 6th at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, followed by a reception at the community center in Royal Oaks Park, 1559 Royal Oak Drive, Petaluma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Two Rock Church Memorial Fund, 7063 Bodega Ave., Petaluma or your favorite charity.