Vera Lavery's Lasting Impact Is Remembered

There is no doubt that Vera Lavery has left a lasting impression in Windsor upon her passing, at the age of 82 on Tues., May 31, 2011. Lavery passed away peacefully while in hospice care at Hartford Hospital.

 She was the go-to person during her twenty-five year career as secretary to the Town Manager of Windsor. She was actively involved in town issues and cared deeply about the future and success of the town of Windsor.  

The list of local organizations Lavery dedicated her time, energy and passion to is extensive and includes practically every organization that contributes to the quality of life in town today: the Windsor Historical Society, Windsor Chamber of Commerce, Windsor Board of Ethics, Windsor Civitan Club, Friends of Northwest Park, the Huntington House Museum, Windsor Senior Center, Windsor C.A.R.E.S., Windsor’s 350th Anniversary Committee and the Windsor Public Library.

 "Vera made a huge difference at Windsor Historical Society," said Society Director, Christine Ermenc.  "She was wise, funny, and immensely supportive of the Society and of me personally.  She funded our part-time librarian for several years. She offered a challenge gift if our board and membership would match it (and they did) to fund our first strategic plan," added Ermenc. 

 Lavery was also a familiar face at the Windsor Senior Center.  Never taking a passive role, Lavery got involved at the Center as a volunteer to serve her Windsor peers. 

 "Vera was an office volunteer for the Windsor Senior Center for many years, said Millicent Gill.  "She would arrive each Monday morning, ready to schedule doctor appointments for our Dial-A-Ride patrons.  She answered the telephone and transferred calls to staff members and greeted each person who entered the front door to the senior center." 

 "Vera was such a great servant of the town and a lover of the community; an independent woman.  She had a love for music and traveling. She continued to grow throughout her entire life," said Reverend Richard Huleatt from First Church in Windsor. Huleatt referred to her as a "great lover of music and patron of music" at the Cathedral at St. Joseph's in Hartford.

 A Windsor resident for almost 50 years, she was born on June 22, 1928, in Providence, RI, to the late Arthur and Gertrude Wheaton.

 "We have lost a true friend and I’m very sad," said Ermenc.

 Lavery leaves behind seven grandchildren: Bryan and Michael Cooper; Joseph, Thomas, and Emily Golden; and Mark and Sara Davenport. 

 A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 10, 3:00 p.m., at the First Church in Windsor, Congregational, 107 Palisado Avenue, Windsor. Burial will follow in Palisado Cemetery, Windsor.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Vera’s memory be made to SS&C SummerWind, 261 Broad St., Windsor CT 06095 or the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Music Ministry, 140 Farmington Ave., Hartford CT 06105.