Micheline Renee Rekers

"Mimi' as she was affectionately known, was born in Étampes, Paris, France on November 17, 1927, to Olympe Charlote (Vandalem) and Alexanre Rene Imbault.

Micheline loved working at Lockheed in Burbank, California. When she first started working at Lockheed she was put on a manufacturing assembly line. She looked so out of place "dressed to the nines" with feminine French gloves on (not working ones). A manager spotted her, and while noting she worked hard assembling parts, she looked so out of place that he got her into a more suitable clerical type of job. She was a very intelligent woman and made her way up the ladder, due to hard work and hardcore work ethics. Despite her being a very exacting woman, with such high standards, she graciously took her coworker, Lori under her wings and was patient with her limited ability to type, etc. They became very close friends regardless of their 30+ years age difference. Before long, Lori was visiting Micheline's home and being treated to great French cooking. Micheline loved to cook and made everything from scratch. One year for their boss's birthday, she and Lori brought in Micheline's fancy dinnerware, and she made some really yummy fancy food stuff that they laid out with a French tablecloth, glassware and put it all in the boss's conference room. Micheline and Lori would laugh about that over the years as it was such a "way over the top" thing to do. Micheline kept her office spic and span, which was cleaned by her with Pinesol every week, floor and all. She ruled the roost, taking to task anyone who dared open her department stationery cabinet, whether supervisors or anyone, grilling them "why do you need more than one pencil?" She told them these things belong to Lockheed, not you, so take only one!!! It was so hilarious to see how scared they were as they came in and rushed out, but they respected her and many had a crush on that tough French woman. She was one of a kind.

Micheline married her soul mate Paul Leo Rekers in October 1969. She had her dear friend, Lori, in stitches describing their first date where she was bending down under the table and slowly coming up as he talked to try to see if he had his own teeth, as it was a thing with her, she wouldn't go with a guy with false teeth.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In the Sylmar Ward, a compassionate Relief Society President, Linnie, took her under her wing and gave her a place to stay. Soon Linnie, her daughter, Tammy, and son-in-law, Randy, fell in love with Micheline and adopted her into their family. Micheline was such a delight, sharing stories from times in France, working at Lockheed, and the many dishes she loved to cook, especially a good steak for breakfast. We don't know who loved tacos more, her or Tammy...LOL! Micheline had a big heart and was always giving and sharing. Anyone that knew her knows how much she loved her chocolate. Whenever she was gifted a box of See's chocolates, it was not uncommon to find her taking one piece for herself then passing the box around the room to share with others.

Micheline was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, two-year-old son, Andres, and son, Daniel, and is survived by her daughter, Isabelle, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Micheline will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Riverside National Cemetery in California.

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

~by Mary Elizabeth Frye

On t'aime Mimi! Jusqu'à ce qu'on se retrouve! (We love you, Micheline! Until we meet again!)

Fond memories and heartfelt condolences may be left for the Rekers family at www.palmnorthwest.com.