Colleen Evelyn Lala

Colleen Evelyn Lala was born June 17, 1927 and passed April 19, 2024. She was born in Los Angeles and grew up with her father, John Lala and mother, Ruth Lala. She had one brother, Elmer, and two sisters, Luella and Patricia.

Colleen developed her independence early and began her first job at the age of 16 at Bullock's Department store where she worked her way into a management position. She and her best friend, Margie, later moved to San Francisco where she met and married the love of her life, James Toboni. They had three children, Victoria, David and John.

Her husband died young unexpectedly in 1964. Colleen then started her career. She got a job as office manager for the San Mateo Carpenters Union Hall. In 1966 she moved her family to San Carlos. While employed in San Mateo she became a pioneer in computerized office management working hard to convert her office to the new system. She went on to work for the Sheet Metal Union Hall and then the Cement Masons Union Hall.

Colleen retired to Petaluma where she revived her childhood love of singing and tap dancing. She was an active member of the Petaluma Senior Center with the Ballroom Dance Committee, Santa Rosa Dance Center Adult Tap Dance Company, and Petaluma Red Hat Society. She was always adventurous and ready to try something new. She enjoyed traveling, and had several hobbies including sewing and fine jewelry-making, eventually producing enough items to sell at local art shows. She lived in Healdsburg until she moved into assisted living in Windsor.

She loved spending time with her family and is survived by her sister, Patricia Lala, children, Victoria Toboni Maclachlan, David Toboni, and John Toboni. Additionally are her grandchildren and their partners, Chase Toboni, Kyle and Nicole Maclachlan, James and WhitneyToboni, and Kevin Maclachlan. Great-granddaughters are Riley, Hanna, and Emma.