Velma Jean McRae

Velma Jean Ravell McRae, age 92 of Sun City, California, was born Wednesday, August 25, 1920 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She left this earth to be with our Lord on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 after a brief encounter with acute pancreatitis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester (Chet) McRae whom she married on November 7, 1942. She is survived by her brother, Richard Witt (Joan), her 3 daughters, Judi Sepulveda (Dennis), Betty Prichard (Dennis) and Marilyn Bach. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Craig McMillan (Kristin), Megan Burgess (Steve), Corinne Rosenthal (Brandon) and Jared Prichard (Michelle). She was blessed with 5 1/2 great grandchildren, Ella, Landen and Audrey Ravell Rosenthal, Ruby McMillan and Baby Burgess due in May 2013.

After being raised in Canada, Velma moved to Southern California in 1950 where she lived in Downey for 13 years enjoying her home, her husband and raising her 3 daughters. There was always a neighborhood party for birthdays , holidays and for any other reason mom could think of. The family moved to Fullerton in 1963 when Chet was transferred with his job at Rockwell. After about a year of setting up her brand new home she decided it was time to go to work so she applied to Cal State Fullerton (which back then was called Orange County College) where she worked as a secretary to the Psychology Department of Cal State Fullerton until her retirement in 1983. In 1985, Chet and Velma bought their retirement home in Sun City where they settled in easily and quickly and met many new friends to enjoy life with. The played golf daily, were in bowling leagues, played cards with friends and overall enjoyed everything life had to offer. Velma was an active member of "The Butterflies" in Sun City and found great peace and great friendships with these giving and kind ladies.

Family was always in the forefront of Velma's life and every occasion was celebrated with a family "gathering" of some sort. Velma ALWAYS loved a good party. She never forgot anyone's birthday and made sure she sent a card, bought a gift or at least acknowledged all birthdays. Her nieces and nephews were equally as important as her own children and she loved them all. It was always a treat when they would stay with us growing up.

Velma will be missed by all and especially her family but what a thrill for her to live her life the way she wanted and as long as she wanted. She was shooting for 100 years but 92 is pretty close. God bless you Velma...