NORWICH – Vera Willard Button, 86, of Norwich, passed away Oct. 22, 2009 at Chase Memorial Nursing Home, New Berlin. She was the widow of Leslie S. Button, who passed away in 1983.
Vera was born March 13, 1923 in New Berlin, the daughter of Henry and Belle (Risedorph) Willard. Her childhood was spent in New Berlin and she graduated from New Berlin Central School as valedictorian of her class. She continued her education at the State University of New York at Albany where she majored in English and Drama.
She worked for the government in Newfoundland and Turkey, was an English and French teacher in Chenango County Schools and retired from NBT in Norwich.
Vera was a founding member of Chenango Community Players where she directed and acted in many plays. Her last performance was at the age of 75. Her memberships include Lioness, American Legion Auxiliary of New Berlin and a live time member of the Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church. In retirement she was a literacy volunteer.
She is survived by a nephew, Charles W. and Deirdre Paul of Madison, New Jersey; and a niece, Christine Paul of Newington, Conn; two step-daughters, Gloria and Eugene Cole of Edmeston, and Jane Button of Newburyport, Mass. Her grandchildren are William and Natalie Cole of New Hartford, and Thomas Cole of Silverhill, Ala. She is also survived by four great grandchildren and two great nieces. She was predeceased by her sister, Janice Paul, in April, 2009.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Berlin with the Rev. Charles Taylor. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in New Berlin. Calling hours were 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the Dakin Funeral Home in New Berlin.
Donations may be made to Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by the Dakin Funeral Home in New Berlin.