Renee often came into Graham’s Country Crafts to have her sculpture bases cut out. She was a kind and enjoyable human and always brightened my day with her creativity and genuine kindness.  

I will miss our fun conversations. Thank you Renee for being a fun friend at Mcdowell and the Fair and for teaching my kids.

Very beautiful person always so eager to share her talents!  I met Renee a second time after my retirement when she was busy volunteering! Just like Renee, always helping and assisting with her time and efforts. Active with our meals on wheels program in the kitchen with Tracy and Bill at that time with a number of volunteers! I was so happy to see her as she was moving around getting the food prepared and organizing whatever she could do and always with a big smile!  That was Renée!  

The first time I met Renee was at McDowell Elementary school.  She was a terrific support as  one of our faculty members and in addition worked in our special ed classrooms and anywhere else she was needed. She was a delight, always with a smile, a cheerful support with our children and our faculty and staff!  

A Special person, our Renee! 

She will be missed and will never be forgotten!

Ann Hobrecht

I am so sad to hear the my beautiful, wonderful, funny dear friend has passed away. I had Renee as a client for over 25 years. And I always enjoyed her stories of all her travels. She always had a smile. And brightened my day, every time I saw her.

I was so sad to hear of Renee's passing.  I met Renee on a travel blog in 2006 when we were both scheduled to go to Costa Rica. Unfortunately she had to cancel the trip. We stayed in touch through emails for years before we found out she lived in Petaluma and I lived in Napa.  We met up a couple of times, but life got in the way. We stayed in touch through daily emails and texts. We both loved to travel and shared all of our travels in real time. We talked about our family and day to day life. I loved our daily emails.  RIP Renee and Prayers and Big hugs to all of the family. She will be missed!  Mary Ransford

When I was 15 (30 years ago!) my dad took me to an art show at the Burbank Center. I stopped in my tracks watching a woman sculpt a dancer holding a tambourine in clay. That artist was Renee. Something about the grace and movement of her work opened a door in me.

Soon after, I began taking classes in her home studio. I still remember the Rod Stewart music, the stories she told about her children, and the quiet encouragement she gave each of us. For the first time, I felt someone truly believed in my artistic ability.

I’ve built a career in sculpture now—just in a different medium—and whenever I sculpt a pair of lips or eyes, I still feel Renee’s influence guiding my hands. She was my first sculpting teacher, and she lit a spark in me that changed the course of my life. I’m forever grateful for her. My deepest condolences to Ron and the family. May peace and comfort surround you during these difficult times.  

We are so sorry to here of your Mom's passing...my husband worked with Ron and we went camping with your Mom and Ron..please tell your Dad that Leroy and Edna Wright say Hi...Edna Wright

I'm very sorry for your loss. 

Wow, Amy you look so much like your mother in these young shots. Wild, the power of genes.

Ah, the stories of Pierre! This woman was amazing, she had such a head strong drive and she used it in most everything she did. Thank you Renee for giving me the space to find this part of myself, I cannot imagine never knowing what I could do in clay! Bless you dear friend, Bridgit

I have quite a few video's and pictures for the Virtual Art in the Park event, 2020

I do not know if my last story posted, but Renee was such an influencer for her time. She convinced everyone who sat in her studio for a class that they could do anything, it was all within their grasp. I sculpted with Renee for over 20 years off and on after I started sculpting in my own space. I fired every piece I ever made in her kiln, which is now my kiln in which I use to teach my classes in my studio. She influenced me in so many ways, I will miss stopping by the house to visit with her and Ron. I will miss it all. I was hoping maybe there could be a show of her work at the Petaluma Art Center in which she is a member. Imagine walking into a room filled with Renee's work, that would be a blessing to see. 

I had the extreme pleasure of sharing a classroom  with Renee in our special education class at McDowell  school. Our relationship began about 48 years ago. I was the young teacher who had not yet had kids and she was the much more mature and wise aide. She was a remarkable person and coworker and we quickly became fast friends. I love how she treated each child with great respect and drew out their best. She met them where they were  with a ready smile and high expectations. Ours was a happy environment.  After school and at lunch we forged  a honest and playful friendship. I always marveled at her physical energy, intelligence,  and great creativity.  As a special treat, she would bring in clay and all the tools and teach the students ceramics and fire their creations.  When my older daughter was born, 45 years ago, she sculpted a most beautiful mother and child which she gifted us. Later, I commissioned a bust of my husband's grandmother and a ballet dancer for my daughter; all are treasured. Renee was all about family. I knew Amy best of her children because she attended McDowell and was deeply loved.  Even the mention of Ron drew a huge smile to her face. Ron was the best husband ever.  I always looked up to Renee; her  independence, lust for adventure travel, ability to walk a zillion miles a day, keen intellect, and  love of  people and discussions.  I will always value our almost 50 year friendship. She made me a better person.

I will miss you, neighbor. I always liked seeing you taking walks from the day we moved in 33 years ago. You're an inspiration to keep moving! I'll  miss seeing you from across the street. But I every time your wind chimes clang in the breeze, I'll think of you.

With her great grandkids — with Renee, Peyton and Ian