Vacaville mourns loss of community champion Edith 'Buff' Fleming

Longtime civic leader and volunteer was known for her tireless efforts to improve Vacaville

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Edith Anne 'Buff' Fleming, a lifelong community servant whose decades of civic involvement helped shape Vacaville's cultural, civic and volunteer landscape, died on February 6 at the age of 91. Fleming spent over 60 years giving her time, energy and leadership to causes ranging from city planning and politics to music, youth programs and environmental efforts, working closely with her late husband and former Vacaville mayor David Fleming.

Why it matters

Buff Fleming was a pillar of the Vacaville community, known for her unwavering dedication to improving the city through her involvement in countless organizations and initiatives. Her passing marks the end of an era and leaves a significant void in the community that will be difficult to fill.

The details

Fleming joined the Vacaville City Planning Commission in 1970 and became its first female chair in 1974. She was a visible and active partner in public life alongside her husband when he entered local politics in 1978. The couple were named grand marshals of the Fiesta Days Parade in 2017. Fleming was deeply involved with the Vacaville Concert Society, Soroptimist International of Vacaville, the Vacaville Saturday Club, and numerous other civic and volunteer organizations. She was also a driving force behind Vacaville's first recycling center and a longtime supporter of Scouting, Great Wonders Playground, Alamo Creek Park, and other community initiatives.

  • Edith Anne 'Buff' Fleming died on February 6, 2026 at the age of 91.
  • Fleming joined the Vacaville City Planning Commission in 1970 and became its first female chair in 1974.
  • Fleming and her husband David were named grand marshals of the Fiesta Days Parade in 2017.
  • David Fleming, Buff's husband, passed away in December 2024 at the age of 92.

The players

Edith Anne 'Buff' Fleming

A tireless community servant whose decades of civic involvement helped shape Vacaville's cultural, civic and volunteer landscape.

David Fleming

Buff Fleming's husband, who served as the mayor of Vacaville.

Shauna Manina

Recently retired president and chief executive officer of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, who worked for many years in Vacaville.

Donna Fox

A longtime Vacaville resident and former city Parks and Recreation director, who served alongside Fleming in the Vacaville Saturday Club and Soroptimist International of Vacaville.

Senator Bill Dodd

Presented joint resolutions from the State Senate and Assembly to Buff and Dave Fleming when they served as Fiesta Days Grand Marshals in 2017.

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What they’re saying

“She was a force of nature. As first lady of the city she was always visible and always game in terms of working hard for the betterment of Vacaville. She was a full partner with her husband in events.”

— Donna Fox, Longtime Vacaville resident and former city Parks and Recreation director (thereporter.com)

“She was absolutely the most organized person. When we got there, it was all set up and everything was labeled so you wouldn't have to search to find things.”

— Donna Fox, Longtime Vacaville resident and former city Parks and Recreation director (thereporter.com)

“She truly loved this town. She was one of a kind and not replaceable.”

— Donna Fox, Longtime Vacaville resident and former city Parks and Recreation director (thereporter.com)

What’s next

Funeral services for Edith 'Buff' Fleming will be held at St. Mary's Church in Vacaville, followed by a reception at the Vacaville Saturday Club. Interment will take place at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. Specific dates for the services will be announced in the coming days.

The takeaway

Buff Fleming's decades-long commitment to improving Vacaville through her tireless civic involvement and volunteer work left an indelible mark on the community. Her passing is a profound loss, but her legacy will continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and work towards the betterment of their local communities.