In loving memory of Vera Pauline Eubank December 11, 1922 – April 23, 2025
Vera was born and grew up in Hollywood, California in a less-affluent side of town. She attended Hollywood High at a time when many young celebrities like Judy Garland, Micky Rooney, and Lana Turner were fellow students. Vera may not have had the nice clothes, connections, or lifestyle that many of her peers enjoyed but she had a wonderful childhood growing up as the only child of her mother Pauline and father Charles Hulse.
When Vera was 12, a neighbor sold their violin to her father, who gave it to her as a gift. She became passionate and practiced tirelessly. She played in her high school orchestra, college orchestra, and later became 1st chair violinist in the Pasadena Philharmonic Orchestra and other ensembles in the L.A. area. Music became a driving force in her life. She graduated from UCLA as a music major and went on to teach music.
When WWII began, Vera formed a quartet called “The Harmonettes”. They performed in hospitals treating severely wounded troops returning from the war, often going room to room. Many soldiers suffered from deep depression due to their injuries, now known as PTSD. The nurses were amazed at the remarkable improvements as soldiers began tapping their feet and emotionally opening up after just a few songs. Unknowingly, Vera contributed to what is now recognized as music therapy. Years later, she organized other musicians to join her in performing at a hospital for challenged children in Orange County, helping them find calm through the magic of music.
During WWII, Vera volunteered for the USO to entertain troops. One night at the First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood, the USO held a party for local servicemen before deployment. This is where she met the love of her life and husband of 58 years, James Eubank. According to Jim, “Their eyes met across a crowded room!” Their meeting led to a memorable first date at Griffith Park Observatory… just to look at the stars?
As an avid swimmer, Jim won most ocean swimming races in California during the late 1930’s. Utilizing his swimming skills, Jim volunteered with other Los Angeles County lifeguards to be part of a small clandestine unit for stealth underwater missions in enemy Japanese territory. This group was known as the OSS Maritime Unit, nicknamed the “Frogmen,” laying the foundation for future special operations groups, including the Navy SEALs.
After the war, Jim and Vera married in Los Angeles, where they had two sons, Bob and Jerry. Later, they relocated to Newport Beach, where Jim built a large fishing boat named The Veracruz to honor Vera. The family embarked on many adventurous trips from Catalina Island to Mexico aboard the Veracruz.
In 1974, Jim, a real estate developer, discovered San Marcos in San Diego’s North County and acquired land there. With Vera’s support, he built and managed the Old California Restaurant Row in San Marcos. The project began with Vera running a fruit stand with produce from the local farmers while Jim began work building the restaurants. Old California grew to 18 restaurants and became a major attraction in North San Diego County. Jim and Vera became very active in the life of the community as it grew from a town of 11,000 residents into the exciting city it has become.
During this time, Jim and Vera purchased land in the beautiful inland agricultural area of Oceanside called South Morro Hills, where they built their dream home atop a hill, and of course, Jim named it Rancho Veracruz. Vera became involved with numerous events in the local neighborhood and loved hosting parties and fundraisers.
Vera volunteered to raise funds to provide scholarships to disadvantaged students at Palomar Community College, a commitment she fulfilled for 24 years. Vera played a pivotal role in the organization to help achieve their goal of supporting students, regardless of their background or circumstances. Vera deeply believed in the transformative value of community colleges, seeing them as crucial opportunities for all individuals to pursue higher education. She was honored as the commencement speaker for one of the graduations at Palomar College.
Hawaii was a special place for the family. Jim and Vera built an oceanfront home on the north shore of Oahu. They later purchased a condo overlooking the beautiful Hanalei Bay on Kauai where the family made many memorable trips for surfing and enjoying the relaxing beauty of the Islands, during which time they made wonderful friendships.
Vera lived a remarkable life of 102 years. She leaves a legacy of strength, compassion, hard work, volunteerism, and positivity, qualities that deeply motivated everyone around her. Her faith provided her with balance, humility, and a profound appreciation for life, values she instilled in her family. Vera was deeply loved, and her life continues to inspire all who knew her.
Vera is survived by her son Jerry and his wife Susan, her son Bob and his wife Weihong, her granddaughter Meili and her husband Tom, and her grandson Tai.
