Cecilia Loucks

Cecilia Pauline Loucks, known to family and friends as Paula, age 92, of Seal Beach, California, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, at Katella Senior Living in Los Alamitos.

Paula was born in 1933, in Rockview, Missouri, to Frank Leo Dumey and Agnes Dumey. She graduated from Delta High School in Missouri in 1951 and was raised Catholic.

In her twenties, Paula and her husband moved to Southern California, where she lived most of her life, first in Huntington Beach and later in Seal Beach.

After her marriage ended, Paula worked as many as three jobs at one time, always saying that providing for her children, Lori and John, was her top priority. Those who knew her described her as strong, determined, resilient, smart, and hardworking. Entirely self-made, she became a real estate agent in the 1970s and later built a long career in the assisted living industry with Berg Senior Services, where she worked for 20 years and successfully managed three large assisted living communities. She was known for her dedication, energy, and strong work ethic, and never hesitated to take on a new challenge.

After retiring, Paula bought a home in Leisure World Seal Beach and worked part time as a patrol officer with the community’s security office.

Paula’s love of gardening may have stemmed from her childhood on a farm. She had a green thumb and took great pride in her garden, enjoying collecting and propagating cuttings from interesting plants and often saying that she was just helping God out. Animals and babies held a special place in her heart, and she often helped her daughter care for rescued dogs. She had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and approached life with fearless curiosity.

Later in life, Paula learned to quilt and created many beautiful pieces, including one that earned a ribbon at the Orange County Fair.

Paula is survived by her daughter, Lori Loucks of Huntington Beach, California, and her sister, Joan Kight of Delta, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her son, John Kevin Loucks; her brother, Donald Dumey; and her parents.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paula’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or City of Hope.

She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.