Vera J. Redden

Vera Jean Redden, 102, of Donegal, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in the Latrobe Hospital. She was born in 1922 in Donegal, PA, a daughter of the late Clare C. and Bernetta 'Nettie' Hays. The last surviving member of her family, Mrs. Redden was preceded in death by her brother, Rice Boyd (R.B.) Hays, and two sisters, Hilda M. (Hays) Snyder and Ella Mae (Hays) Hoyman. She attended grade school in Donegal and completed high school in 1940 at Mt. Pleasant, PA. Upon graduation, Mrs. Redden attended Business College in Greensburg, PA. She later took and passed the civil service exam for federal government employment. Following graduation, in 1942, at age 19, she secured employment with the Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C., as a secretary in the Bureau of Yards and Docks. She worked there during and for three years following the end of World War Two. For one year, beginning in November 1948, Mrs. Redden was the postmistress at Donegal, PA. She then returned to work in Washington, D.C., living in Alexandria, Virginia, and was employed with a private sector tool and dye business. On February 9, 1952, Mrs. Redden married Gene W. Redden. He was serving as a captain in the U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon during the Korean War. After a marriage of 60 years, Mr. Redden passed away on March 24, 2012. Mrs. Redden is survived by her two sons, William C. Redden and Douglas B. Redden; in addition to two granddaughters, Ashley Kelley and husband Connor and Kaitlin Redden. Mrs. Redden is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Cooper and Addison; by her sister-in-law, Dora Redden; and by several nieces and nephews. A private interment will be held at the Donegal Cemetery with a memorial service being held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 144, Donegal, PA 15628. To offer online condolences, please visit the website at www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com.