Vera Mae Hawthorne

Vera Mae Hawthorne was born Sept. 11, 1935 in Chetek, Wisconsin, to Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Larson.

In 1944, the family moved to Washington State. She attended and graduated from junior high and high school in Selah, Washington. After graduation, she worked for the local phone company in Selah for several years.

In 1955, Vera met and married Al Hawthorne in Yakima, Washington. Shortly thereafter, Al shipped out to the Korean conflict, leaving Vera behind to hold down the home front. She did this with dignity and strength.

Upon Al's return they moved to Fallbrook, California and set up in a home provided by the Fallbrook Women's Club in exchange for cleaning services for events. With her normal determination and work ethic Vera plunged into this new phase of life.

Vera participated in the Campfire girls' group with Mary, her daughter – teaching Mary how to cook and even how to wash dishes. From 1966 to 1977 she also participated heavily in Boy Scout Troop 737 with Al, her son, and Al, her husband. These activities brought her much joy.

Other joyful activities were fishing, dancing, camping, gardening, crossword puzzles (that is why she always remained so mentally alert) and being around her family and loving them unconditionally.

Vera worked for Sullivan United Van Lines for 29 years as the office manager. She handled all PCS orders for the military moves coming and going from Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. In addition, she handled all this range of work in a clear, concise manner which no one could match. No one!

Upon her retirement, three employees were added to complete the work accomplished by Vera. She was able to see a huge problem, break it down into manageable parts and keep the details straight and get the work done.

After her retirement, Al and Vera traveled extensively and enjoyed many cruises, the last being for her sister Mary Ann's 80th birthday cruise.

She was preceded in death by husband Al Hawthorne, sister Betty Shapazian, brother John Ramsey and her parents.

Survived by son Albert and his wife, Katherine; daughter Mary Nadine Peterman (Mark) of Cabot, Arkansas; sister Mary Ann Westbury of Arroyo Grande, California; sister Ellen (Dale) Maygra of Selah, Washington; sister Joan Shaw (Dave) of Tennessee; brother Jim Ramsey (Debbie) of Fallbrook; brother Cliff Larson (Denise) of Walla Walla, Washington, as well as three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be held June 27, 2020, at 11 a.m. at LifePointe Church, 221 N. Pico, Fallbrook.

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