Verona M. Bordok

1921 - 2008

Verona Bordok
Verona M. Bordok died peacefully during the evening of July, 13, 2008. She was 87 years old, born in Sandstone, West Virginia, on April 6, 1921. She was raised by her grandmother and loving family in the West Virginia hills overlooking the New River. Always outgoing, athletic and full of life she was proud of being named "The 4-H Most Healthy Girl in West Virginia." Following graduation from Sandstone High School at the age of 15, she attended West Virginia Institute of Technology and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Concord College.
In 1940, while at West Virginia Tech, she met and married Louis Bordok which began 61 years of love, sharing and caring for each other and those whose lives they touched. Verona and Lou taught school in West Virginia until 1953 when they moved to Barstow, to take teaching positions in one of the few school districts in the state that would permit husbands and wives to teach in the same district. What was planned to be a one year stop en route to the California coast, turned into 55 years of service, friendships, and enjoyment on the High Desert.
Beginning as a teacher at Barstow Jr. High School, Verona transferred to Barstow High School where she taught physical education and sponsored the cheerleaders. After earning a Master of Arts Degree in Guidance from California State University, Los Angeles, she began a long career of high school guidance counseling and administration. During her tenure, Verona was the Dean of Girls at Barstow High School, Vice Principal at John F. Kennedy High School, Vice Principal and ultimately the Principal of Barstow High School, a position she held until her retirement. Verona touched the lives of generations of High Desert residents in a positive manner both at school and throughout the community.
In addition to her professional contributions, Verona was very involved with Altrusa International, a professional women's service club. Starting with the formation of a Barstow Chapter Altrusa, she rose to the organization's highest position of International President. She traveled the world representing Altrusa and its services, including the promotion of world literacy. As International President, she met with persons of influence in service, business and politics and was always proud that she was foremost representing the small chapter and the community of Barstow. She and Lou often entertained these friends from around the world in their home introducing them to their friends and beauty the of desert living.
She was preceded in death by her husband Louis; and sister Vivian Hutchinson. Survivors include brothers, Vince and Vance Meadows; son Jeff; daughter-in-law Barbara; grandsons, Preston, Trenton, and Jeffrey; and great-grandson, Brennan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19 at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 220 N. Second Ave.