DORINA LIGARI PONCETTA

Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial on Friday July 7^th, at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Monsignor Stephen Frost presiding for Dorina Ligari Poncetta who peacefully passed away at home on Sunday July 2, 2023. Dorina was born October 29, 1927 in Cercino, Italy, to Pasquale and Natalina Ligari. Her days as a child were spent attending convent school, helping her mother, and enjoying the life of being a twin with Anita. During 1936 she migrated with her family to Australia seeking greater opportunities. While living in Australia, Dorina worked with her family at their Fish and Chip restaurant. It is there that a chance meeting with a soldier from Fresno, California, presented them with the opportunity of coming to America. The young soldier was given a letter, written by Dorina’s father as he worked in the kitchen, to deliver to a cousin who lived in Fresno requesting him to be their sponsor. Upon arriving home, the young soldier delivered the letter. On August 4, 1947, the family boarded the SS Marine Phoenix, in Sydney, Australia and set sail for the United States. They arrived on August 23, 1947, at the Port of San Francisco and eventually settled in Bakersfield.

During the summer of 1948, Dorina’s cousin, Reno Ambrosini, introduced her to his dairyman friend, Emilio Poncetta, who became her husband of 52 years. Emilio was the love of her life, and they married on May 30, 1950, at Our Lady of Guadelupe Catholic Church in Bakersfield. After their marriage, they established their lifelong home in the Greenfield area, just a few yards from Dorina’s parents.  She was deeply devoted to her sons Johnny and Ronnie as they were to her. Dorina’s greatest joy was spending time with her family gathered around a table enjoying traditional Italian meals prepared with love. She enjoyed gardening, and annual trips to Las Vegas with her twin, Anita and cousin Mary Maretich. In later years, she enjoyed day trips to Eagle Mountain with her son, Ronnie.  Dorina is preceded in death by her beloved husband Emilio; her son Johnny and his wife Carole, son Ronnie, parents, Pasquale and Natalina Ligari; Sister and her husband Anita and John Ermigarat, Father/Mother-in-law, Burt and Maria Poncetta, Brother/ Sister in laws: Elmo Poncetta, Mario and Gina Valente, John and Rose Massocca, and Joe Costa.

Dorina is survived by her granddaughter Christieana Poncetta, grandsons Chris, Darin, Bryan and Ben Cierley, daughter-in-law Leslie Poncetta, Niece/God Daughter Natalina Davis, Stepdaughter Donna Cierley, (Jack) and many extended family members in the United States, Italy, and Australia. Dorina’s family expresses our sincere appreciation to Annette Dinelli, Reyna Castillo, Ines Solano, and Yudith Estrada for their loving, compassionate, and devoted care to Dorina and to everyone who sent cards and prayed for her.

Pallbearers will be Alex Davis, Jack Davis, Michael Poncetta, Anthony Rossi, Chris Cierley, Darin Cierley, Bryan Cierley and Tony Rausin.  Honorary Pallbearers will be David Poncetta, Dennis Costa, Mike Arburua, George Fanucchi, and Burt Costa.  Interment will follow at Greenlawn Southwest Cemetery.