Community set to celebrate life of Petaluma teen

Hailey Lynn Ponte, 19, lived with a seizure disorder and died Sept. 6 in her sleep.|

At about midday Saturday, heads will snap in Petaluma and the minds inside will wonder what is going on.

It will be a funeral procession, a multi-textured mobile tribute to Hailey Lynn Ponte, a dazzling, golden-hearted 19-year-old who lived with a seizure disorder and died Sept. 6 in her sleep.

Hailey grew up on her family’s Two Rock Valley ranch and touched legions of lives through her work with 4-H, FFA, the Petaluma Junior Riding Club, Sonoma County Wildife Rescue Center, Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center, COTS homeless shelter, Victorian Manor Rest Home, Redwood Empire Food Bank and on and on.

The post-service procession from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church to Petaluma Riding and Driving Club is expected to reflect Hailey’s life and passions.

There will be tractors, fire engines, trucks, vintage cars and many heartbroken people.

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