The members of NAVVF are saddened to learn of the death of founding member Flora Gesine VV (Br. 1), in November 1998. Flora was the wife of Paul Iretus VV, who is perhaps best known as the compiler of "The Genealogy of the Van Valkenburg Family in America."

Flora was born March 29, 1909 in Lakeland, MD, the second child of William VV and Christine Denekas. When she was 10, the family moved to Umatilla, FL, where Flora lived until she married Paul I. VV on June 8, 1941.

For the first part of their marriage, Paul and Flora spent winters in Brooklyn Heights, NY and summers in East Marion, L.I., NY. When Paul retired in 1952, however, they returned to Florida. There they purchased a tract of land, which they named Lakenridge and built their home. Other lots were sold to selected people.

Flora's personal interests encompassed anything pertaining to nature. Her gardens were beautiful and she loved all animals, but especially birds. And the birds knew it. No matter whether Flora was at home or traveling, she could entice birds to eat from her hand.

Flora supported and aided Paul in his research into family history. She also hosted a number of discussions with Robert and Jean VV, Carl VV and other family members. As a

result of those discussions, the NAVVF came into being. Paul became the first NAVVF genealogist, but Flora worked closely with him. As he prepared the manuscript for the two-volume genealogy of the VV Family, he wrote, "Flora, my wife, has been of invaluable aid in proofreading and assisting in countless ways."

Evelyn Pate VV (Br. U) who typed the manuscript describes the couple as "ever pleasant and full of good humor" as well as being dedicated and diligent in their attention to details. The two volumes are dedicated to Flora.

Flora and Paul attended every NAVVF reunion until their health no longer permitted travel. Even after that they welcomed VV visitors. In the summer 1995 News Notes NAVVF member Betty Hopkins Moses (Br. 5) remembers them as a "dear, loving couple" and praises the fabulous luncheon that Flora had prepared when she visited them in the 1980s.