Veronica McAndrews

Veronica Frances McAndrews (née Bilbow), 88, of Philadelphia, passed away surrounded by her adoring family. Born on October 6, 1936, in Philadelphia to William and Veronica Bilbow (née Konieczny), she lived a life rooted in faith, family, and fierce devotion to those she loved.

The beloved wife of the late Patrick McAndrews, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership, Veronica was the heart and soul of her large and lively family. She was the proud mother of Veronica (Barry), Patrick (Lilibeth), Joseph (Jill), Ernest (June), Michael (Mary Jean), Mary (Anthony), Christopher (Nicole), son-in-heart, Ed (Lynne), and the late Thomas.

Known affectionately as "Mom," "Grandmom," and to many simply as "Ronnie," she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: 38 grandchildren-Michelle, Michael, Christopher, Kevin, Veronica Paige, Patricia, Megan, Patrick, Matthew, Myca, Kristina, Joseph, Brianna, Shayna, Sarah, Bram, Justin, Alexa, Jimmy, Matt, Patrick, Kyla, Zachary, Jillian, Alyssa, Kyle, Kelly, Amanda, Alyssa, Isaiah, Janai, Elanna, Katie, Julie, Christian, Jordan, Casey, and Alexis - and 32 great-grandchildren who adored her.

Veronica's life was defined by her unwavering love for her family and her endless generosity of spirit. Her love of family extended beyond the typical bounds that people place on what it means to be family. Her kitchen was always full of warmth and good food, her home always open. Her wittiness and laughter were truly infectious. She had a knack for making every holiday, birthday, and ordinary Sunday dinner feel special-moments her family will cherish forever.

She was a woman of quiet strength and boundless faith, whose wisdom and comfort were a constant anchor to those around her. Whether sharing stories of her Philadelphia upbringing, cheering on her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments, and/or offering a listening ear and steady hand, she made everyone feel loved and truly seen. She is the true example of unconditional love.

Her zest for life included travels to Hawaii, Ocean City, Lake Tahoe, Canada, Iceland, Alaska, England, Scotland, Wales, and her beloved Ireland. She loved Bingo, shopping, jigsaw puzzles, her iPad, soap operas, and especially the Philadelphia Eagles. Go Birds!

Veronica's legacy is not just in the generations she leaves behind but in the values she instilled-love of family, faith in God, and finding joy in life's simplest blessings. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Viewings will be held at Givnish on Academy Road (Sunday, August 10 from 6-8pm, Monday, August 11 from 9:15-10:15am), and a funeral mass will take place at St. Martha Church on Academy Road, Monday, August 11 at 11:00am

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Veronica's name to St. Martha Church 11301 Academy Road Philadelphia, PA 19154

.