Valeria Capell passed away peacefully at her home in Lompoc, California on January 17, 2023, at the grand age of 102.  She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother (Grandma Val) and Great Great-grandmother, who valued her family above all.  She was a steadfast friend, who was always interested in everyone she met.  Valeria was born December 1, 1920, in Tereblecea, Romania.  Mom is lovingly remembered by her children James Arthur Capell and his wife Margaret, Rachel Jean Andersen and her husband Skip, Valeria Irene Capell and Mina Joyce Capell. Valeria counted her family's spouses as her children too.  She is also survived by her loving six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.  She would say frequently, "I have the best family in the world".  Her family, whether near or far, loved her so much.

Valeria would proudly state she was a citizen of three countries, Romania, Canada and the United States.  She proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII and loved telling stories about her childhood in Redvers, Saskatchewan, Canada, and her adventures in the Air Force.

She settled in Lompoc in 1994 after the Northridge earthquake, and embraced the community as her own.  During her very happy time in Lompoc, Valeria was a Red Cross volunteer for many years at the Lompoc Hospital.  She was a longtime member of the Lompoc Alpha Club, and was involved with the annual flower show, fashion show and literary club.  She enjoyed working each local election as a precinct clerk, and worked many years at the Lompoc Cub Club fly-in, selling beer, tickets or t-shirts.

Valeria loved going to the Oceano Melodrama, P.C.P.A. plays and the wonderful concerts at the Lompoc Pops Orchestra.  She retired last year, after serving 22 years on the board of the Lompoc Pops.  Playing cards became a daily necessity, whether it was Hand and Foot, Cribbage or SkipBo.  A highly anticipated weekly event was playing cards with her best friend, Evelyn Baxter.  Valeria loved making strawberry jam, and would hand out a jar to each friend and family member that she could think of.  Valeria really loved gardening, especially her cactus and succulent pots.

Mom's secret to a long life, was to be happy.

A celebration of life will be at the Lompoc Alpha Club, 704 E. Ocean on April 15 ^th from 12 to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Valeria by donating to the Lompoc Pops Orchestra or the Lompoc Alpha Club.