Dominica Temperani

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Dominica Temperani. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Dominica was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Dominica was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.      From the time she was born on February 1, 1933, Dominica showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Dominica came into this world at home in San Francisco, CA. Her parents were Maria and Antonio Rosa. Dominica was raised in San Francisco, CA.      Because fellowship was so important to her, Dominica promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with three siblings, one brother and two sisters. Her older brother, John Rosa, preceded her in death two years ago, Josephine Rosa, older sister, and Francis Sanders, older sister. Dominica was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.      As a young girl, Dominica interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Dominica had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. Dominica took part in badminton.      A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Dominica was considered by many to be a high achiever. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. She graduated ahead of her class (six months ahead - no graduation ceremony).      Dominica's talents in writing proved to be an asset for her during her college years. She excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest her. Dominica became known to her peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed her to build on her remarkable retention of general knowledge. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from San Francisco State. She worked for Standard Oil for two years between her second and third year of college. After graduating from college she earned her teaching credential. She had her teaching credential for elementary school children. She enjoyed teaching fourth grade (music, math, social studies). She taught at San Francisco Harbor Elementary.      Dominica was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. On August 19, 1961 Dominica exchanged wedding vows with Albert John Temperani at Corpus Christi Church of San Francisco, CA.      All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Dominica was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Dominica was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Dominica was blessed with three daughters, Kathleen, oldest daughter, Eileen, middle daughter, Pauleen, youngest daughter.      Dominica projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Dominica was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Dominica could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. During her college years she worked as a secretary for Standard Oil. Her first career after graduating from college was as an elementary school teacher teaching in San Bruno. After having children she went to work as a bank teller for Citibank in Novato. In the late 80's she went to work for the Marin Office of Education as a secretary.      As an imaginative and inventive person, Dominica was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Dominica took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were acrylic paint and sewing - she was part of a sewing club in San Marin after the birth of her second child. She enjoyed various arts and craft projects. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.      Dominica was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member Our Lady of Loretto Church but had not attended since her kids were young.      Dominica possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included their many trips to Tahoe, Reno, Carmel and Monterey. The biggest trip was to Italy to discover family ties.      Dominica was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Dominica's favorites was Goldie, a lop-eared bunny. Al and Min's first pet together was a purebred German Shepherd named Cato. He lived with Min until Min and Al were married. Marty was a second German Shepherd - after moving to Novato. There was Tippie, a Sheltie Mix, whose brother, Dickens, lived next door. Tippie had many litters. One of those pups, Shelley, they kept. There was Elsa, a Black Lab and Golden Retriever mix, and Bonnie, Elsa's pup. There was also Cocoa, a chocolate lab hunting dog. Numerous bunnies, including a bunny, Cinnamon, who was inherited from her daughter Kathleen because on a visit he fell in love with her bunny, Goldie.      Dominica passed away on October 30, 2009 at Novato Community Hospital. She had an enlarged left ventricle which led to congestive heart failure which she battled with for seven years. The last one and one-half years was the worst, with three severe attacks. She is survived by her husband, Al, her three daughters - Kathleen, Eileen and Pauleen and son-in-law - Eileen's husband, Steve. She is also survived by her two older sisters, Jo and Fran. Services were held at Keaton's Redwood Chapel of Marin in Novato. Dominica was laid to rest in Valley Memorial Cemetery in Novato.