Miss Vera....I was so completely and utterly shocked and saddened to learn of your passing from Mel today. It was such a pleasure to get to work alongside you and be your friend for all these years. Your laugh was infectious and you had such a spunky spirit. You loved it when I teased you for your "accent" and for your shrinking stature in your "old age". You were a second mother, a matchmaker, and a sympathetic ear for all of those around you. I regret that we had lost touch over the past year and it is killing me right now that I have an unanswered email from you in my inbox that I somehow found myself "too busy" to respond to. I regret that now so profoundly, I struggle to find the words.
You will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.