Vera M. (Philippo) Strangio

Waltham – Mrs. Vera M. (Philippo) Strangio, of Waltham, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at Meadow Green Nursing Home in Waltham after declining over a long period from dementia. She was 99. Vera was born in Bronxville, New York on September 25, 1915, one of four children and the only daughter of Italian immigrants Frank and Emmanuella (Botta) Philippo. She grew up in Tuckahoe, New York and lived there with her parents until she was married in 1946 to Vincent J. Strangio. They lived in Kirksville, Missouri where Vincent attended medical school, and then moved in 1953 with their two sons to Michigan City, Indiana where Dr. Strangio maintained a medical practice for many years. The couple separated in 1963. Until her retirement she worked in sales in the jewelry trade and had lived in South Bend, Indiana before moving to Burlington in 1995. She lived in Waltham for the past fifteen years. Vera was a loving, caring mother to her children and a friend to everyone who came into her life. She brought charm and joy to many people through her long life and will be greatly missed. She leaves her children, Christopher E. Strangio and his wife, Gail Handelmann, of Stow and Mark J. Strangio and his wife, Jami, of Newton Highlands; her grandchildren, Chase B. Strangio and his spouse, Nadia Quershi and Noah B. Strangio; her great-grandchild, Simrah Strangio and several nieces and nephews. Vera was also the sister of the late Charles Phillippo, Edward Philippo and Joseph Philippo. Family and friends will honor and remember Vera's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, December 4th from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday morning in Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge where graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Meadow Green Activities Fund, 45 Woburn Street, Waltham, MA 02452.