Delphine Patricia Lloyd

Delphine (Valles Key) Lloyd spent Mother’s Day, her last day on earth, visiting with her son, her daughter, and the three granddaughters who live nearby. Delphine’s family was the most important part of her rich and full life. She loved her family fiercely and deeply.

A native New Yorker, Delphine worked in the glamour of the Harness Racing world where she met Russell Valles Key, her future husband and father of her children. Every summer, Delphine organized incredible cross-country road trips so the family could watch their father wherever he was racing. Delphine always took advantage of the cultural opportunities in the various states they'd spend their summers, making sure her children's lives were enriched by the museums, parks, libraries, and theatrical productions everywhere the family traveled.

The family moved to North San Diego County in 1960. Delphine became known as a glittering star at the San Dieguito Little Theatre in Del Mar and Encinitas, fundraising, serving on the Board of Directors, starting a children’s theater and, of course, acting and singing.

When she moved into the professional world, Delphine started as a Savings and Loan teller in Del Mar, working her way up to Vice President and Branch Manager in Rancho Bernardo. When the Savings and Loan industry shut down, Delphine moved into Real Estate. She found niche markets that multiplied her successes even during market downturns. Delphine continued to work into her late 80s, maintaining the beauty and energy of a much younger agent as she served her many clients.

Married for 44 years to her beloved John Wakefield Lloyd, and inheriting three more beautiful daughters from him, Delphine and John had 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.