Betty Joanne (Vandeveer) Germain

Betty Germain passed away on August 21, 2024, at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, California. Betty had been hospitalized since July 31, 2024, and with family by her side she passed peacefully from this earth to live in Heaven with the family of loved ones who passed before her.

Betty was born on September 9, 1935, in Orange, California, the day after her mom’s birthday. Betty always said she was her mom’s birthday present. She was the second daughter of Ray Vandeveer and Mary Lou Peak. She lived in Huntington Beach where she attended grammar school. During her grammar school years one of the favorite games was playing “kick-the-can” in the alley with childhood friends. Betty graduated from Huntington Beach High School with the class of 1953. Go Oilers! Betty attended Orange Coast Community College and earned her AA degree in 1955.

When Betty was 8 years old she began attending First Christian Church located at 8th and Orange. Betty was a current member of FCC at the time of her passing.

Betty met Bob (Robert) Germain in 1956 at the Boogie Woogie Café, located on PCH. Betty and Bob married in 1957 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Betty and Bob were blessed with four children. In 1969, the family sold their home in Huntington Beach and relocated to Sedro-Woolley, Washington. Bob passed away in May 1979. Betty continued to reside in Washington until 1986 when she decided to return to California. She lived in Poway and Escondido and then returned to Huntington Beach in 2012 where she lived until her passing.

In the late 60’s, Betty worked for Orange Coast College in food services. She later worked for Sears, JC Penney and Denny’s.

Betty retired at the age of 72. She loved to travel spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made yearly summertime trips to Washington to see friends and family along the way. Betty traveled throughout the United States. She also had the opportunity to travel to Peru, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Paris. She enjoyed her adventures and always was willing to share a story from her many trips. She never met a stranger that she couldn’t start a conversation with.

Betty loved to draw and paint. She would doodle on the back of an envelope or just a piece of scrap paper. She was always interested in learning more and even took some art classes at a local college while she lived in Washington State.

Betty is survived by her four children and their spouses: Roberta (Todd), John (Joyce), Rhonda (Steve) and William (Angie). Six grandchildren: Jessica (Joe), Julie, Gregory (Beca), Emily, Jacob and Georgia. Betty had three great grandchildren. Betty is also survived by her youngest sister, Ethel, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Fun facts: Betty enjoyed baking pies and could make a great apple pie as well as a pecan pie! She enjoyed chocolates. See’s candies (soft centers) were also a favorite. Of course, she enjoyed Reese’s peanut butter cups as well. Her purse was never without a roll of Necco wafers.

Betty enjoyed listening to a variety of music. She would sing along or hum to a tune on the radio. Betty will be missed by all loved her.