Amelia F. "Vicki" Sayers

Amelia Sayers Obituary

Vicki passed away peacefully on September 15, 2003, at home in Eureka with family and friends at her side. Born in London, England on June 23, 1921, she was a resident of Eureka since 1947.

Growing up in London, she attended West Kensington Girls College, graduating in 1939 with an accounting degree at the start of World War II.

She spent the war years in London working for London Passenger Transport during the day, going dancing at Hammersmith Palais every night. On a weekend trip to Henley-on-Thames she met an American soldier who was to become her future husband, Cary Sayers. In November 1947, she left family and England behind and traveled to America on a Liberty ship to become a “war bride”.

Landing in New York she continued her journey across the United States by train to Eureka. She and Cary were married in Phoenix, Arizona on November 13, 1947. They were married for 45 years until his death in 1992. She worked as an accountant for local businesses (Belcher Title, Cannam’s Markets) and in the Auditor-Controller’s Office of Humboldt County for over 35 years, retiring from the County in 1986.

She became an American citizen in 1952 and made many trips home to England with her daughters. She enjoyed traveling, especially her gambling trips to Reno, Tahoe and Las Vegas, Bingo with her friends, knitting and above all time spent with her family and grandchildren.

Vicki was a member of the World Friendship Club, war brides from many different countries who helped and supported one another in their new lives and she had many close friends from “the Club”.

In the last 12 years her grandchildren were the center and light of her life and she spent several months a year in San Diego enjoying being “Grandma Vicki”. During her grandson Andrew’s difficult first year she was constantly there caring for him and encouraging him; her first granddaughter, Erica was named in part for her, an appreciation of just how special and loving she was.

She fought breast cancer for almost five years, undergoing chemotherapy several times and proud of her survival. She was an extraordinary, loving, generous, vital woman who truly lived during her 82 years.

She is survived by her daughters, Gayle S. Dominguez and husband Carlos of Eureka, Judy Kay Dorr and husband Barry of Carlsbad; and her beloved grandchildren, Andrew Brian Dorr, Erica Amelia Dorr, and Shannon Elaine Dorr of Carlsbad; her brother, Joseph Burrows of London, England; her sister, Esther Walsh of Slough, England; more than 40 nieces and nephews in England; and many good friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cary P. Sayers in 1992; her brothers, Wallace Burrows, Harry Burrows, and Len Burrows, all of England; and her sisters, Winifred Crosby, Alice Brown, and Ena Harnette, all of England.

The family would like to thank special friend and caregiver, Pru Hogan for her loving care of our mother during this last month, and Dr. Cory Spencer and his assistant, Liz.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sequoia Humane Society, 6073 Loma Avenue, Eureka, CA 95503.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pierce Chapel, Eureka.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard on Sep. 18, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Amelia Sayers

4 Entries

Cindi Ashbeck

October 1, 2003

I grew up across the street from Mr. & Mrs. Sayers. I used to play with Judy, her daughter. I think one of the things that stands out in my mind were her popcorn balls. She made them around Halloween and they were great. Another thing is that Judy always had flannel sheets on her bed when we were young. I remember that Vicki had them sent over from England, if I am correct. When I was younger I always thought Vicki was a stern person but as I aged my perception of her changed and she seemed more soft. I have not been back to Eureka in more than 10 years so it has been awhile since I have seen Vicki. My mother kept me updated on events going on in Vicki's life, as they became quite good friends. I want to extend my sympathy to all of the family. I know that she loved her grandchildren dearly and that her presence will be missed by all

Sincerely

Cindi Ashbeck(Friedli)

Linda Slade

September 21, 2003

Dear Gayle and Family,

I'm so sad to see that your Mom died. She was such a nice lady. She never complained, always took each battle as it came, ready to give it her all. She was always willing to try any new drug or treatment to see if it would work, she really had "NO FEAR" when it came to trying to get rid of that cancer. That's a lot to ask of your body so many times over.

I loved to listen to her talk about her trips to "Vegas". She did enjoy gambling and of course her Grandchildren, the light of her life.

It gives me an ache in my heart to think of how you must feel having her gone.

Please extend my sympathy to your whole family.

Vickie's neighbor, Linda

Larry Zerlang

September 21, 2003

Vickie was a very good friend of my Mother Jeannette. I have heard her name often over the years. The World Friendship Club is now another person smaller. My sincere sympathies to all who suffered this loss.

wesley windsor

September 19, 2003

I WORKED WITH VICKY FROM 1957 TO 1986. AND SHE HELPED EVERY DAY TO KEEP ME ON THE RIGHT PATH. I MISSED HERE THE DAY AFTER HER RETIREMENT AND WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HER. I AM VERY SORRY SHE HAS LEFT.

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