Katherine Louise (Nelson) Hall

Katherine (Kay) Louise Nelson passed away, peacefully and in her own way, on Monday, March 5, 2024, at the age of 94.

Kay was born to Earl and Kate Nelson in Petaluma, CA. Growing up in the country (but a town girl at heart), she attended Waugh School and graduated from Petaluma High School. As many did in the 1940s, she attended the dances that were held around the area and especially enjoyed the Cotati and Penngrove dances, as she had many friends there. One of those friends was Mary Hall (Lafranchi), the sister of Kay’s future husband, George Hall. They married on September 3, 1949, and were married for 59 years.

Kay was Secretary to 4 Petaluma Police Chiefs – Noonie Del Maestro, Larry Higgins, Robert Murphy, and Dennis DeWitt, serving for 22 years between 1966 and 1988. She was an avid bridge player, belonging to several bridge clubs during her life. She enjoyed going on long rides, her family, a good story, her puzzles, and spending time at the family ranch in Cloverdale.

Kay is survived by her children Georgia Dolcini and Tracie Rinehart (Charlie); grandchildren William Dolcini, Jr. (April), Jason Dolcini (Jennifer), Eugene Rinehart (May), Matthew Rinehart (Nicole); and great grands Allissa and Christopher Dolcini, Carlie and Lucas Dolcini, and Charlotte, Riley, and Oliver Rinehart. She was especially loved by her many nieces and nephews, including Sue Nelson, Sharon Clark, and Dean Nelson, whom she helped raise, the Lafranchi family and the Weinholdt family, and she loved them all back.

Mom and our family are especially thankful for the love and companionship provided by her caregiver, Elenoa; without her care and company for the last four years, mom’s life wouldn’t have been as independent and enjoyable. Thank you, Elenoa, and her daughter, Selita, and their friends.

Kay was predeceased by her husband, George Hall; parents, Earl and Kate Nelson; and brother Stanley Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA, on Saturday, April 13, at 2:00pm. A celebration of life will be held afterward at the Petaluma Estates Clubhouse at 901 No. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Redwood Empire Food Bank or the American Red Cross.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Katherine Louise (Nelson) Hall, please visit our floral store.