Doreen Yvonne Bodeker

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Doreen Yvonne Bodeker, at 86, on April 8, 2025, in Roseville CA.

Doreen was predeceased by her parents, John Leslie Weir/Were, and Mary Aileen O’Leary, and husband of 55 years, Robert C Bodeker.

She is survived by her brother Denzil M Weir/Were (Francis), son Robert C Bodeker, Jr. (Geralyn), daughter Vicki Aileen Bodeker Smith, and grandson Brian A Bodeker.

Born in New Delhi, India on July 16, 1938, Doreen, around age 5, and having lived for a short time with relatives in East Africa, left with her family and boarded a ship to Melbourne, Australia. There, she would go on to finish High School, but again, her family decided that their next destination would be the USA. In 1958, they boarded the S.S. Orcades and set out for America. Originally wanting to settle in Los Angeles, Doreen and her family had change of plans when the ship Captain decided to dock in San Francisco before heading to LA. The City would be their new home.

Doreen found more than a new home in SF, when a Navy sailor spied her while on leave in The City. Both knew that they were meant for each from the start. Robert Sr., and Doreen were married in 1959, at St. Agnes Church in SF, a marriage that lasted 55 years, until Robert’s passing in 2015.

After her father John became an Attorney, Doreen was a Legal Secretary in his Law Offices for many years. This, in addition to, being the family mother/housewife/homemaker.

With kids raised, Doreen turned to the two things she loved, gardening and traveling. Let it be said, there was no flower, plant, tree, potted or un-potted, inside or outside, that Doreen could not grow, or bring back to health. If only she could have done so with herself.

Traveling later in life with her husband Bob, was her thrill, with much of the world visited by both. Only a stroke to Robert ended the traveling, and Doreen assuming caregiving for her husband until his passing.

Our family would like to express a special debt of gratitude to Inna Cernat and her entire family, for caregiving, friendship, and daughterly love to our mother Doreen, and for without such care, the past 5 years would have been impossible. 

Doreen and Robert will be interred at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, CA., at a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice.

“To Live in Hearts we leave behind is not to Die”-Thomas Campbell