Obituary of Vandalia B. McGee

Vandalia "Dale" McGee was born on May 1, 1931 in Oakland, California to Fred Lane and Ethel (Ottaway) Lane. She grew up in California, her family moving to different locations for her father's work. She shared many stories about where they had lived and the people they met that became friends. The Lane family finally settled in Santa Cruz where Vandalia attended Branciforte Elementary and Santa Cruz High Schools. Vandalia met Charles McGee and they were married in September of 1947. They made their home in San Jose for a short while and then moved back to Santa Cruz. She worked at Stokley's Cannery for many years and then her interest shifted. She and Charles went back to school to finish their high school educations. Both graduated the same year, something they were very proud of accomplishing. She attended Cabrillo College studying Early Childhood Education. She worked at the Cabrillo College Pre-School and then decided to open her own Family Day Care which she and Charles ran like a pre-school. She cared for many children over the next 28 years. Because of health issues, she regretfully retired at the age of 73. She loved caring for and teaching children. She was as proud of their scholastic accomplishments as their parents were. She remained friends with many of the parents and children until the time of her death. Vandalia is preceded in death by her husband in 1995. Also preceding her were an infant daughter, Virginia; her parents; and all of her siblings, Ellen Whitaker, George (Diane) Lane and Clyde Lane. She is survived by her daughter, Theresa (James) Scheidt and their children, Eric, Steven and Michael; daughter, Vera (Robert) Leporini and their children, Robert Jr., Andrew and Michelle; daughter, Charlene Young and her children, Laura, Maranda and Wendy; son, Charles (Leslie) McGee, Jr. and their children, Tonya, Katie, Joshua, Jackie and Michelle; and several great-grandchildren. There are many who will miss her dearly, including the Esche, Murphy and Bennett families; her last and best friend, Dilys, who made her laugh; and all of the caring staff at Sunshine Villa. Per her wishes, no funeral services will be held. Share a story about her with friends and family so others will know what a wonderful person she was. Vandalia believed that teaching a child to read was one of the greatest gifts you can give a child. To honor her, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local elementary school library.