Help Lay Tomi Doreo to Rest: Support Her Family

On behalf of Al and the boys I’ve set up this fundraiser to help lay Tomi to rest.

The family is going through so much and are still in shock as everything happened unexpectedly and in such a short period of time.

Navigating through all that’s to come and the process of planning her funeral and services is such a heavy and hard time for them. This is a way for us to tangibly help them by helping lift some of the financial burden.

About 6 weeks ago Tomi wasn’t feeling well and began going to the doctors and hospital. Things were taking a serious toll on her body. About a week ago she got a diagnosis that no one wants to hear, it wasn’t just an unknown infection but they found cancer. A few days later things took a turn and her husband brought her to the ER, they thought she just needed another transfusion but in a short time she was transferred to ICU it’s there that they learned that the rare cancer had overcome her system and her time here with her loved ones was coming to an end. Everything happen so fast I don’t think the family has had time to catch their breath, it’s such a shock to us all. It’s with great sadness that I share, on Wednesday August 13th surrounded by her family, Tomi peacefully left us.

Tomi was married to her husband Albert Doreo for 35 years, together they created a beautiful life and family. Al was her rock and comfort and was by her side till the very end.

She’s survived by her sons Joseph and Richard Diaz, their wives Diana and Sara Diaz, and her son Tony Doreo and is now reunited with her son Bruce Doreo who she loved and lost in 2005. Tomi’s pride and joys were her grandkids Jacob, Maci, and Owen Diaz, Hank, Tj and Ashley Doreo. She loved them all so much.

Tomi grew up in Rio Vista, she attended Rio Vista High School where she was part of the Rio Vista FFA. Tomi raised and showed beef at the Dixon May Fair. After high school Tomi trained race horses and started working with Dr. Cooper at a vet clinic in Fairfield, her love for animals was evident throughout her life. Tomi loved working in the butcher shop with her dad Tom Gates and her brother Joe gates, at just 12 years old she learned this family trade, and it became a part of her entire life. Around 1992 Tomi started her pony ride business where she bought Tony the pony and started “Have Pony Will Travel” and travel she did. This was something that brought her joy for many years, she loved it.

But nothing brought Tomi joy like her family. When Tomi would bring her pony’s for a birthday party or event countless smiles were provided by her pony’s. Tomi loved bringing that joy to people on their special day.

She raised her kids in Winters and attended their sports games, FFA and 4-H events. The Dixon May Fair and Solano County Fair will not be the same without her. It became a family tradition that now her grand kids are continuing. Tomi was the best wife, mom, and grandma ever!

In her later years she sold her ranchette in Winters and moved back to Rio vista where her journey started and has ended far too soon.

Tomi has touched the lives of many, even if you met her for brief second she made you feel like you were cared for and a friend, because you were. She is deeply missed by everyone she loved and knew.

If she had the chance she would have given you all one last hug, a good laugh, and she would have found a way to give you a kind compliment. That’s just who Tomi was.

Thank you, for reading. If you feel led and are able to contribute, please do. More than anything please keep her family covered in prayers as they navigate this very difficult time.

All fundraising efforts will go towards Tomi’s medical expenses, and funeral services.

Thank you & Blessings,

Rachele Lopez