Dossa, Aloha

On June 8, 2025, Aloha Joan Dossa, devoted Wife, loving Mother, and adoring Grandmother passed away and entered the gates of heaven. She is survived by her three children, Mike, Dan, and Amy, grandchildren, Chase, Kelsey, Joseph, Dominic, Vincent, and Brett, her sister, Laura Blevins, and brother-in-law, Al Dossa and wife, Liz. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Dossa and her sister Betty Rodreguiz.  Her nickname was “Loi”

Born November 6, 1936 in Sonora, California, Aloha grew up in Jamestown/Tuttletown, on the family ranch off Fraguero Road where her mother and father, Marie and Arthur (Babe) Shell, raised their daughters with a strong work ethic and a love of country life. She enjoyed horseback riding with her friends and loved the wind on her face while riding her horse whistle britches.  She was selected as Mother Lode Round-Up Queen in 1950 and proudly led the parade down the main streets of Sonora wearing her decorated leather chaps and Kelly-green cowboy hat.  Shell sisters Betty and Laura also represented Sonora as Round-Up Queens in 1946 and 1959 respectively.

Aloha first laid eyes on her future husband Norman Dossa while riding horses with her friends. They met on Aloha’s first day of high school, when Norm offered to help her open her locker located just below his.  They dated in high school where she participated as a cheerleader, rooting on the Sonora Wildcats at football games and track meets.  “I loved him the second I met him” she often said of Norm. Aloha graduated from Sonora High in 1952; she later attended San Jose State College.

After enlisting in the Army during the Korean War conflict, Norman returned home on break to propose to Aloha to be his wife. They were married on August 22,1954, at Saint Patrick’s church in Sonora. After their wedding, the newlyweds jumped in their DeSoto and traveled across the US to Fort Belvoir in DC where Norm finished serving his country.

Afterwards, Norm and Aloha relocated to Davis, CA, where they raised their family and were involved in the community. Aloha worked as a Purchasing Agent for UC Davis Animal Science department for over 20 years and an office administrator for a local Real Estate office in Davis.  In their retirement years, Norm and Aloha returned to Sonora for 15 years where Aloha worked at Sonora Florist.  From Childhood sweethearts to Grandparents, Norm and Aloha stuck together. Two weeks before Norman passed, Aloha and Norman celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Aloha was truly an Artist at heart, as showcased by her many beautiful watercolor paintings, lovely home decorations, and splendid floral arrangements.  Holiday festivities were a source of tremendous joy for Loi, celebrating each holiday with her family. She was happiest when cooking and celebrating during family holiday gatherings.

Aloha was a loving and supportive wife and mom. She always made time for her kids and other family members in times of strife. Everything Aloha did was for her family.  Her advice in life was to just be kind to people; treat them with respect.  She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Sonora’s St. Patrick’s Cemetery.  God bless you Mom, we will miss you tremendously, but happy knowing you are back Home in Dad’s arms again.

Burial will follow the service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Sonora, California

• Date of Death: 06/08/2025
• Age: 88
• Residence: Davis, CA
• Services: Thursday, June 19, 2025 @ 2 PM at Terzich & Wilson Cremation-Funeral Home 225 E. Rose Ave. at Lyons St, Sonora, California.