Veronika Gavelis

Veronika (Stelnionyte) Gavelis was born in Kaunas Lithuania on September 7, 1925 and passed on to Jesus, peacefully, on January 31, 2026 surrounded by her family. Born to Jokubas and Kaze Stelnionis, she was the youngest of five, three sisters, Vale, Maryte, Regina and a brother Antanas. While still 17, she fell in love and married university student Zigmas, on February 15, 1943. It was World War II and Germany occupied Lithuania. As the Germans withdrew, she and Zigmas fled their home to escape the brutality of another Soviet Occupation. They, along with others, found refuge in Mittenwald Germany at a United States Displaced Person's Camp. There, Veronika gave birth to her first born, Sarunas. They were sponsored by American relatives, traveled to the United States and settled in South Boston in a cold water flat in the late 1940s. They both found jobs and she became the sole bread winner for a time, working at Bay State Bindery, after her husband suffered a head injury when he was struck by a descending freight elevator. Eventually things got better. They managed to purchase a 3-family residence and left the cold water flat for their new forever home in South Boston, where she lived for the next 70 plus years. Veronika gave birth to three more boys, Rimas, Gytis and Zigmas E. She leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship and a plethora of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Veronika has been a member of the Saint Peter Lithuanian Parish Community continually since arriving in Boston and was an active member of the Lithuanian American Community. She never turned away a stranger and opened her heart and home to all who crossed her path. A Celebration of her life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Peter Lithuanian Parish 75 Flaherty Way, South Boston on Friday February 6, 2026, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 and internment at Blue Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in her name to Saint Peter Lithuanian Parish.