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Vera VanAtta Obituary
A memorial service will be held Saturday (December 13, 2014) at 1:00 p.m. at the Townsend-Wood Funeral Chapel, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Vera's name to Yates County Arts Council, 127 Main St., Penn Yan, N.Y., 14527 or go to www.ycac.org.
An amazing lady and Renaissance woman, she was a newspaper columnist, radio talk show host, author, playwright, who is established and directed a children's theater. She was welcomed into the Seneca Wolf Clan, chatted with the Dalai Lama, and was a world traveler including a voyage to Antarctica at the age of 85.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Wayne) Littlefield; and sons, Larry Kim (Mary), Dale (Lynne), and Scott (Judy); 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook at www.townsendwoodfuneralchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vera VanAtta
Kathleen Dalheim
December 9, 2024
Diane,
Thinking of you today...
10 years already for such a wonderful talented lady, your Mom.
Keeping you in prayer as you remember her and all the special times you shared with her.
God Bless you.
Hugs
XOXO
Kirsty Lambert
February 29, 2020
I stayed only 1 weekend at 10,00 Delights in the early summer of 1996. Life is all about moments, and this weekend is one of them for me. Something tonight triggered a memory, and I felt compelled to look up 10,000 Delights. I was saddened that it was Vera's obituary that appeared, but what a rich life she led!
I was the only guest in the house that weekend and Vera filled my weekend with stories that I could not get enough of. We wandered all around the garden and everything had a story. Vera was one of the most extraordinary people I had ever met. I stayed in the Rose room and on the second night I was there, I was delighted when I started hearing beautiful piano music shortly before 1am. When I complimented Vera on her piano playing the next morning at breakfast, she just smiled and told me she had gone to bed long before midnight. Vera and her 10,000 Delights were truly magical.
Diane VA Littlefield
January 6, 2016
Thank you Todd for your condolences. Hope to see your dad this week.
On behalf of our family, Thank you Edie - very much appreciate your kind words.
Todd Schmid
January 6, 2016
Dear Van Atta Family,
Your mom was a wonderful woman that touched so many peoples lives. It was a privilege to call her Aunt. Peace to all of you.
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January 5, 2016
Dear Kim, Mary and Family -
Your Mom was a vibrant host when you would have RHC gatherings at her place. Vera was such an interesting woman during her lifetime. Peace to you all, Edie Mann
Diane VA Littlefield
December 21, 2014
Thank you all for your condolences on behalf of my family. They were all very touching and so appreciated at this difficult time.
Debrah Feigel Flicinski
December 19, 2014
Diane, We went to Penfield High together and graduated in 71. My husband & I bought your childhood home in 1985 and we are still here. Last saw your wonderful Mom at Alex Gossin's funeral. Your Mom had a long and wonderful life. God Bless you all.
paul wojciechowski
December 17, 2014
Dear Van Atta family
Your mother was adored by so many people that she's met in her long life.
she is like a star in the sky that will be watching all of us. When I was there she shared so much to me with her kindness and love. She Is now with your father and the angels! She will be very much missed by me. God bless the entire family as you go through this hard time!
The Letts Family
December 17, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the family. We will miss her cheerful hello from the deck.
Judy Brown
December 13, 2014
To my cousins and their families. Your Mother was a remarkable lady and will be greatly missed. She has always been my idol and if during my life time I can accomplish half of what she did, I will be happy. On top of being a wonderful Mother and grandmother she gave such joy to all who knew her. I feel privileged to have known her. Know that I am thinking of you all and sending my love. Judy
Edith Mann
December 13, 2014
Dear Kim, Mary and Family -
Sorry for the loss of your Mother's/Grandmother's presence, as she has passed from this lifetime. May warm and loving memories soothe you at this time.
Sincerely, Edie
Howard Schmid
December 13, 2014
To Larry, Kim, Dale, Diane, Scott and families. Saddened but know she will be with Bruce in a special place. My deepest condolence.
Todd Schmid
December 13, 2014
Aunt Vera was such a wonderful and kind person and she will be greatly missed. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.
Dale&Bernie Littlefield
December 12, 2014
Dear Diane, Wayne, Dale, Lynn, Larry, Scott, Judy,, Kim , Mary and families,
So saddened for your loss. Your Mom was such a special person, a fairy Godmother all. We have many cherished memories of her at the B&B that will be treasured always.. She holds a special place in my heart and she will be missed.I am so grateful th have known her.May God Bless you all.
Dale and Bernie
Jamie Van Atta
December 12, 2014
We love you soo very much Grandma! You're memory and magic lives on in each one of us!
marcia rogoff
December 12, 2014
Dear Kim, Mary and Family,
So very saddened to read about your loss. I met your mom on several occasions and found her to be a very interesting and dynamic woman. We wish her peace.
Marcia and Mike Rogoff
Suzi Zefting-Kuhn
December 12, 2014
To my best friend Diane and her family,
What an extraordinary woman your mom was! There are too many memories to recount here but I will always have a big smile on my face when I think of her or when her name is mentioned. The art world here in the Rochester and surrounding area will miss her. Love to you all. Suzi
Kevin and Pam Fingar and family
December 11, 2014
Dear Van Atta family,
Our family enjoyed visiting with Mrs. Van Atta. She was truly a great part of our neighborhood. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to your entire family.
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