Hermine "Mimi" Vaughn

1930 - 2021

Hermine "Mimi" Vaughn
March 3, 1930 - November 17, 2021
Mimi was born in Bistritz, Romania (Transylvania) to parents Martin Ohler and Hermine Nierlich. Mimi was proud of her heritage as a member of the Siebenburger Saxons, a group with German lineage that had survived in the Transylvania area for 900 years. Mimi eagerly shared her family history with anyone willing to listen. Early life hardships formed her life. Seeking safety during World War II, her family fled their home in Romania and settled in Austria. There she met and married her first husband, Martin Daichendt, and together they had two daughters Hermine "Mimi" Keyes (Randy) and Lori Enz (Tony) while living in Austria. Sponsored by the Lutheran Church, her family immigrated to the United States, arriving in Santa Rosa on December 18, 1956. Sponsors helped the family find work, which was difficult since no one in the family spoke English. After learning English, Mimi worked first as a housekeeper, then later as a cook at Memorial Hospital. While working at the hospital, she met her second husband, Gene Vaughn and they enjoyed 48 years of marriage. Later, Mimi owned and operated her own custom drapery shop "Alpine Draperies", first shared with her sister Erika. She gave up the drapery shop when she was 80 years old.
As the self-described matriarch of the family, Mimi – lovingly known as Omi to family and friends - could be stubborn and demanding ("you need to….."). She was superstitious and opinionated. And she was caring and generous. You couldn't leave her house without her saying "what can I give you?" She always gave food as you left her home - - in case you got hungry on the way home. She regularly took homemade cakes, pies, cookies, etc. whenever she visited her bank, her dentist, her doctor, etc. Relatives would come home from work to find Mimi had left them home made meals. For over 40 years, Mimi enjoyed her friendship with her same hairdresser Renee'. Together, Mimi and husband Gene enjoyed Bingo (they once won a car). Mimi was previously and for many years a member of the local Hermann Sons Hall.
After losing Gene in 2013, Mimi later met (on a Bingo bus) her companion Hank Okray and they lived happily together until his death in 2020.
In addition to her two daughters, Mimi is survived by sister Sofia Vega, cousin Rodica Daichendt, stepson Kelly Vaughn (Chris), grandsons Robert "Rob" and Darren Pitchford, great- grandchildren Michael, Matthew, Spencer, Anthony, step-grandchildren Christina, Max, Alex, Carter, and numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Robert Ohler, sister Erika Nemeth, and granddaughter Natalie Enz.
Her family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the many loving caretakers who helped Mimi through her last years, especially Mereseini and Lavenia (who Mimi lovingly referred to as Mary and Lala). Also with heartfelt thanks, tributes may be made to St Joseph Memorial Hospice, 430 College Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
Friends and family are invited to attend her service on Monday, November 29th at 11:00a.m. at Eggen & Lance Chapel, 1540 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa.