Georgiana Doyle

Aug. 5, 1922 – Oct. 28, 2012

Georgiana Doyle, longtime resident of Davis, died peacefully on Oct. 28, 2012, at 90 years of age. Born in Ambridge, Pa., on Aug. 5, 1922, she lived through the Depression and went on to lead an adventurous life with her husband Con Doyle, which included world travel and living on the Rhine River in Germany and in a small town in Holland.

Georgiana received her diploma in business administration from Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, and married her husband soon thereafter. They were together almost 50 years and the memories they made traveling the world, exploring California and beyond, nourished her in her golden years. Memories of time spent exploring the Swiss Alps were especially dear to her.

Georgiana was an accomplished seamstress and cook, and an always-welcoming hostess whose true joy was in her family and friends. She loved nature and tending her back yard. As a way of giving back to the community, in the late 1980s and early ’90s, Georgiana and her husband performed at the Davis Farmers Market in German costume, playing a European street organ while gathering donations for STEAC and Citizens Who Care.

She volunteered her time as a librarian, Girl Scout leader and teacher of disabled children. She touched the lives of everyone she met, perhaps because of the twinkle in her blue eyes and her wide smile. More than a few neighbors and friends affectionately called her “Mother” or “Oma” (grandmother) and she considered them her adopted daughters, sons and grandchildren. Beloved and treasured by her family, she was a ray of sunshine who leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity.

Surviving family members include two daughters, Leslie Carroll and her husband Robert Carroll, and Jodie Doyle; two grandchildren, Allison Carroll and her husband Daniel Dreilinger and Jennifer Ruhe and her husband, Rodney Ruhe; two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Flynn Dreilinger; and extended family in Europe, including adopted daughters Elise Groenewegen, her husband Harry and their three children, Lisa, Bertus and Kees; and Lillian Horbach, her husband Theo and son Vincent; and dear friend, Marianne DeBoer.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Cornelius “Con” Doyle; sister, Marietta Russen; mother, Ann Soboslay; and father, John Soboslay.

Memorial services will take place at a later date. Remembrance donations may be sent to Citizens Who Care, 1017 Main St., Woodland, CA 95695; to STEAC (Short Term Emergency Aid Committee), 1900 E. Eighth St., Davis, CA 95616; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.