Celia Vera

Celia Vera died peacefully at home, surrounded by her children and extended family, after a long and challenging illness. The third of 6 children, Celia was raised in New Bedford MA in an extended Portuguese immigrant family. Childhood was busy with lots of babies, outdoor activity (skating, skiing, neighborhood football and basketball games, swimming), animals and family gatherings where the elders spoke Portuguese and the kids made up their own language.

Joseph Vera and Cecilia Baldo (both deceased) were young parents who were committed to exposing their children to diverse activities, to their Church (Catholic) and to Social Justice. Those deep roots grew strong in Celia (not the Catholic part!) and she grew into a Feminist

Activist who remained dedicated to speaking out for civil rights her entire life.

In high school Celia was an outstanding athlete, playing on the Varsity in 4 sports. Summers were spent on Martha's Vineyard where she worked at the Flying Horses and formed a deep love

of place. The Vineyard remained her favorite spot and she and her children made the gargantuan effort to return annually even as she grew sicker.

After graduating from Mt Ida College, Celia lived briefly in Burlington, Vermont where she had lots of friends, raised Cain, and contributed to the nascent women's movement. Celia moved to Northampton in 1981 where she quickly built a community of beloved friends and family. She

was well known in the Women's Softball league and the Bowling Leagues, bringing equal shares of fun playfulness and competitive skill to both. She worked in the food service industry for many years; known for her engaging, gregarious, and efficient nature, she was proud when

named "Server of the Year" in the Valley. In 1988 she began administrative work in the non-profit social service world supporting clinical services for vulnerable children and youth. Between 1993 and 1999, Celia and her then partner Jaime welcomed their three children,

Simone, Elliot, and Davis, into their busy and loving family. Celia loved her children fiercely and was so proud to be their mother.

In 2001, Celia was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that profoundly impacted her health. She was fierce and resilient, fighting for her survival every day and enduring tremendous challenges to get back to her best possible health. Constant cheerleaders, her children were her

main purpose and motivation. She had to work so hard as each progressive disability took more of her freedom. She also devoted time and raised thousands of dollars over the years in support

of cancer research and services for other cancer survivors. She displayed tremendous courage, never asking "why me" – rather, she would say "I'm just glad this didn't happen to anyone else I

love." No matter what was happening for her, Celia would always rally to speak with one of her children or celebrate an accomplishment of a loved one. She adored Simone's visits and time with her 2 grandchildren who called her "VoVo". Davis was always thoughtfully surprising

Celia, and her homemade lemon bars were a total favorite. Most recently she would beam when talking about Elliot's graduating from Harvard Law and having his first job as a lawyer. Her niece Joan just passed the MA Nursing Boards and Celia yelled with joy at the call.

Her entire family is grateful to the dedicated and skilled caregivers from Victory Home who enabled her to be in her own home, with dignity, until her last breath. Celia is survived by her 3 children, Simone Caudill Russell), Elliot Caron-Vera, Davis Caron-Vera, her grandchildren Eloise and August Caudill, her beloved Vera sisters Lynn, Louise, Anne and Ellen (Keith), her nieces and nephew Joan Vera, Ava, Norman and Isla Thorsen-Vera, her dearest friend Karen DeSalvio, her friend Jaime Caron (the children's' other mother), and the extended Caron Family. Celia is loved by so many and will be missed more than words can say. She is finally free of pain. She will be with us always.

For photos and a complete obituary visit www.citycremationsinc.com and scroll to Tributes and Obituaries.

A gathering to celebrate Celia will be held in Northampton at a later date. A notice will be published in the Gazette the month prior or send your text to 802-363-3133 to be notified directly