Volina Fauss

Volina Georgia Fauss, a creative, quirky, and loving mother of five, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her five children Greg (Kristi) Fauss, Gretchen (Brad) Chatfield, Christine (Bryan) Lilienthal, Karen (Denny) Farris, and Matthew (Michele) Fauss. She is also survived by cousins Jon (Faith) Jacobson and Dori Jacobson-Wenzell and 13 grandchildren (Laura, Jenny, Jason, Nic, Bryan, Erik, Rio, Christina, Solano, Sereno, Emily, Alli, and Keira) and six great grandchildren (Bodhi, August, Areli, Henry, Irvin, and Bristol) and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. In 1965, Georgia and her husband Mike moved from San Francisco to Sonoma County and built a hobby farm where vegetables were plentiful and everyone was welcome. Whether teaching classical piano, volunteering at a local food shelter, or hosting the annual Fourth of July picnic, her life was marked by quiet kindness and unwavering faith. A graduate of Valparaiso University, Georgia grew up in Illinois with her parents and older brother, Herbie Busching. From a young age, she showed an aptitude for both sports and music, later performing the Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto as a graduate student at Stanford. She played four-hands music regularly at Jack London Park and was a devoted symphony-goer. A lifelong piano teacher, she mentored hundreds of students, including neighbors and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her trust in God, compassion, humor, charity, humility, curiosity, intelligence, and joy for life. Whether weed whacking or picking up trash on Laguna Road, Georgia did everything with a song in her heart. She enjoyed repurposing animal skulls as art and was known for her elaborate Christmas displays. A letter from Georgia might contain an annotated comic or a few thoughtful words of encouragement. She never missed a graduation or a wedding-and there were many. Georgia was a unique soul with deep knowledge of art, philosophy, medicine, theology, and grammar. A lifelong student and a trusted source of wisdom, she was a role model in her community, a passionate philanthropist to those in need, and someone who never missed an opportunity to burn the garlic bread. A celebration of her life will take place in the Spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Redwood Gospel Missons or F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here). Forever in our hearts and forever with the Lord. We love you, Mom, Grandma Chickens, Cousin, Aunt, and Friend.

Volina Fauss

January 4, 1938 - November 19, 2025