Julia LaVelle Sparks Seebauer

1924 - 2018

Julia LaVelle Sparks Seebauer
LaVelle, affectionately known as "Lovey", passed away five years ago in Palo Alto, CA on April 28th, 2018 at the age of 93. Born in San Francisco, she was the only daughter of Loren Sparks and Edith Harper. Beloved mother of Susanne (Susie) Seebauer of Healdsburg and Jill Reimann (John) of Los Altos; cherished grandmother of Scott Beattie (Sharia) and Adam Beattie of Healdsburg, Jennifer Lebson (Ben) of Mill Creek, WA; and great-grandson, Henry.
Growing up, LaVelle lived in various San Francisco neighborhoods and attended Marina Junior High and Polytechnic High School. She came of age during the Great Depression and World War II. After the war, she married William Seebauer and together they raised their family in Palo Alto. LaVelle worked at Roos Brothers Clothing and later at the Palo Alto Unified School District. LaVelle was, to her core, a proud native San Franciscan and never ran out of romantic stories of her early years in such a magical city.
LaVelle was the life of every party; enchanting friends of all ages. She was known for her sense of humor and, when asked by her grandson, Scott, what the secret to a long life was she replied, "Although I never thought I would live to 93, the secret is being able to see the humor in everything and laugh. Laughing has kept me alive this long".
LaVelle treasured her family who dubbed her the "Postcard Queen". She traveled extensively in the US, and from any new place she sent a postcard to every family member and friend, comically detailing some adventure.
This wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend lived a long, full, joyful life. Five years after her passing, no family gathering is complete without a story of Lovey followed by contagious belly laughs. Her sense of humor and kindness live on in those who knew and loved her. We miss her every day.