A number of members asked for information in regards to the upcoming service to celebrate the life of long time CVC member Reine Wiley.

 

There will be a celebration of life for Reine on Saturday, February 13th at 11am at Thousand Oaks United Methodist Church.

 

Saturday, February 13, 2016

11:00am

United Methodist Church, Thousand Oaks, CA  91360

website for directions: http://www.umcto.org/

 

 

The below obituary was provided by Reine’s daughter Kim.

 

Hendereina Wilma Femia Wiley  (Reine)

 

Newbury Park, CA

 

Hendereina (Deege) Wiley born January 30, 1945, passed away peacefully in her home on January 20, 2016, after a long battle with carcinoid cancer.

 

Reine was born in Gravenhage, Holland, 3 months before the liberation of Holland on May 5, 1945.  She was born to Hendereina (van der Niet) Deege and Christiaan Marinus Deege, who died in a concentration camp and was then raised by her 2nd father, Willem Korving.  She came to America through New York then traveled by train to California in 1955 and became a permanent resident along with her family.   While on a church hayride, at 13, Reine met the love of her life, Richard Wiley.   They were later confirmed in the faith by Rev. Billy Graham and attended Hamilton High in Los Angeles.  They were married at ages 18 and 20.  One of her proudest moments was when she became an American citizen at age 21 where she continued to pledge her allegiance to the country she loved and now called home.

 

Reine filled many roles throughout her life; office manager for Wiley Construction, Weight Watchers leader, Sunday school teacher, fundraiser, youth group leader, and secretary for the school district.  Her most recent program was the “Sock Drop,” organizing a yearly collection of socks and clothing for the homeless.  This program continues by family and friends.  

 

Reine became an avid cyclist at age 40 logging over 250,000 miles cycling throughout America and portions of Canada and Europe.  She rode for many local charities, developing many friendships along the way.  Reine was part of the Conejo Cycling Club and the Annual Coastal Tour for over a quarter of a century.  In 2011, Reine was selected as the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Champion in Thousand Oaks, and was featured in articles and newscasts as a representative of courage and hope for those struggling with the disease.

Reine’s love of music was evident in the way she sang with joy in Dutch and English.   Whether at home, in church, or on the bike path, Reine’s contagious voice encouraged us to sing along with laughter and love.

 

The most significant and impacting bond Reine had was with her family.  She is survived by her husband Richard, of 52 years, three children, Greg Wiley, Kim Zimmer & Cindy Alonge and 9 grandchildren.   Reine took great joy in participating in the lives of her family in California and Colorado.  She spent much time making sure each grandchild felt the love of their Oma.  Oma taught them Dutch songs, babysat them, went to their school and sporting events and gave good sound advice as they got older.  She was young at heart and incredibly wise. 

 

Beautiful inside and out, Reine will be forever remembered as a woman of faith and grace.  She was inspiring, generous, loyal and true.  Her warm and magnetic smile was a bright light in all our lives.  We will miss her greatly. 

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the foundation below that partnered with Reine in her fight against cancer and allowed her to spend more time with her family and friends.

 

Checks payable to:
RITA Foundation/Attn: Susan Cork
9701 Richmond Avenue, Suite 122
Houston, TX 77042
 
Or electronically at: www.ritafoundationhouston.org