Vicki Lee DeBoer

Song: Because (Beatles - A Capella version)

Welcome everyone and thank you for coming. We are here to celebrate the life of Vicki Lee De Boer. I am Randy Hill and I have been requested to say a few words on behalf of the family. First, the family has picked a little poem that I would like to read to you.

Those we love don't go away,

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Vicki Lee De Boer was born on June 30, 1937 in Long Beach, California to Homer and Mildred Seiffert. She is survived by her husband George and children: Jeri De Boer, Teri Valli, Kristal De Boer, Jack De Boer, and grandchildren Anthony, Zachary and Danna.

Scripture reading: 23rd Psalm.

Vicki grew up in Bellflower and later raised her own family in Bellflower. Because she was an only child, Vicki grew very close to her cousins, especially Rochelle, who was like a sister to her and Victor, Marilyn, Melody and Kenny. After graduating from Paramount High School and marrying George, Vicki spent some time raising her four children. Vicki married young and worked very hard, sacrificing much to give her children the best she could afford. Once her children were in school, Vicki decided to enter the working world. Her first job was at Calgon Corporation, where she met her lifelong friend Maria Camp. Vicki was also very lucky to work with her son Jack at Erico Jones. Later, She worked at Witco and then Unocal and was very fond of her co-workers. She has spoken many times of the fun she had at work and she cherished the time she was able to get together with co-workers after she retired.

Scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Vacations were interesting. The family packed into the station wagon with Grandma and Grandpa and headed off to Reno. There were few stops on the way, mostly for bathroom breaks and so Homer could smoke a cigar (and get away from bickering grandchildren). These trips made for wonderful and funny memories. I understand that they were able to visit a performing elephant backstage and discovered that "Tina" could poop on command. When her children grew older, Vicki loved spending her summers going to the beach with them and spending time getting tanned out by the "brown house." Vicki loved Long Beach and Belmont Shores.

Vicki always took care of herself and tried to look her best. She loved getting her hair done, getting facials and pedicures. She was lucky enough to be able to grow good fingernails, so she never needed a manicure, which made Kristal jealous. For a time, when Kristal was teaching aerobics in her twenties, Vicki (in her forties) was taking classes and kicking butt with all the kids half her age. She looked great for her age.

Song: Maybe I'm Amazed (Paul McCartney)

Vicki was a music lover. She loved her doo wop music and was a huge Beatles fan. She listened to "Breakfast with the Beatles" every Sunday. She was so happy to attend one of the "Breakfast with the Beatles" radio shows when the program broadcast from the Kobe Steak House in Seal Beach. Kristal's very first concert was seeing Paul McCartney with her Mom. Zach and Danna's first concert was also seeing Paul McCartney with Grandma. Vicki was so pleased to see the Beatles "Love" show in Vegas. It warmed her heart every time Danna played and sang a Beatles song to her, although she loved everything that Danna played.

Danna would like to perform a song now in tribute to her Grandma.

Vicki also loved movies and plays. Her favorite plays were Cats and Phantom of the Opera, both of which she saw several times with Kristal. She had a number of favorite movies. She loved Carlito's Way and liked to repeat some lines from the movie, which I can't say now. She also liked Scent of a Woman, but we think she just liked Al Pacino in general. She liked the Fabulous Baker Boys, especially the music. She enjoyed sharing The Notebook with Danna and she liked to repeat certain lines form Biloxi Blues, like "Africa hot" and "Just plain ho". If you want to get a good glimpse at what Vicki was like, watch another one of her favorites movies, Steel Magnolias. Can you guess which one was most like Vicki? It was Shirley McClaine's character, Ouiser (pronounced "wheezer") Boudreaux.

Vicki had a few favorite TV shows, too. As a way of relaxing after a long day of work and raising kids, she stayed up to watch The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Lately, Vicki and her daughter Jeri looked forward to watching Fashion Police with Joan Rivers every Friday night and she was very sad when Joan passed away recently. I think Vicki identified with Joan's comedic irreverence.

Vicki loved her family fiercely. She protected, defended and watched over all of her children and grandchildren with a passion. Her oldest grandchild, Anthony, had a very special place in her heart. She had him every other weekend for almost his entire life. They had a long-standing routine of going to the movies, going out to dinner and watching wrestling videos together. Wednesday nights were set aside for Zach and Danna. From the time Zach was born, she would go over and babysit and bathe Zach, incorporating Danna when she came along. She enjoyed playing with them as they got older, watching TV, going out for a bite to eat and encouraging them in their endeavors of the drums, the guitar, scouts and soccer. She was glad to be a part of their lives as they grew into teenagers and young adults.

After Vicki's mother passed away, she took over her mother's role and gathered the family together for holidays and birthdays, inviting any relatives who wanted to attend. No matter if there were tiffs or disagreements, she made sure the family came together.

Song: In My Life (Beatles)

Now, is there anyone who would like to come up and share a story about Vicki?

I'd like to share another poem.

To Those Whom I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go

I have so many things to see and do

You must not tie yourself to me with tears

Be happy that I have had so many years

I gave you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave me in happiness

I thank you for the love you each have shown

But now it is time I traveled on alone

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must

Then let your grief be comforted by trust

It is only for a while that we must part

So bless the memories in your heart

I will not be far away, for life goes on

So if you need me, call and I will come

Though you can not see or touch me, I will be near

And if you listen with your heart, you will hear

All of my love around you soft and clear

Then, when you must come this way alone

I will greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home"

Song: The End (Beatles)

Closing Prayer

There will be a brief reception and there are refreshments in the Garden Room

Arrangements under the direction of Whites Funeral Home, Bellflower, CA.