Venere M. (DiFazio) Findlay

Venere M. “Verna” (DeFazio) Findlay, 95, of Manchester, beloved mother of Linda Findlay, passed away on April 22, 2021 at Manchester Memorial Hospital

Born in Hartford the daughter of the late Guiseppe & Antonia DeFazio, she was predeceased by three brothers Harry, Joseph and Thomas and two sisters, Frances and Helen.

A proud member of The Greatest Generation, Verna moved to Manchester as a teenager, graduated from Manchester High School, then worked at Watkins brothers, a job she loved. She met her life’s many challenges with great strength and perseverance. Through hard work and sacrifice she raised her daughter alone, working two jobs until a well-deserved early retirement.

Prior to retirement she was employed by the former Hartford National Bank for 21 years, beginning in the Securities Clearance Dept. and later as a loan officer in the Manchester and East Hartford Branches. She was a bookkeeper for Mari Mads in Manchester for 30 years.

After retirement she enjoyed summers in Old Lyme and traveling throughout the U.S. Favorite trips were the Delta Queen Steamboat, the national parks and Maine. A delicious meal was one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially dessert! She was an avid fan of the Yankees, Giants and Patriots and a season ticket holder at the Bushnell and Goodspeed for many years. She was active at the Manchester Senior Center and on the planning committee for her MHS class annual reunions. She was a communicant of the Church of Assumption.

Verna was a caring, generous person, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. She worked hard all her life, loved to dance, had a beautiful smile and infectious laugh.  A lovely lady, she will be greatly missed. Special thanks go to Dr. Saquib Naseer, Dr. Marjorie Garrett, Stephen Erickson, DDS and Rebecca Sokolski.  Thanks also to all the special caregivers for their kindness, smiles and help allowing Verna to maintain her cherished independence, most recently from Nutmeg Home Assistance.  In lieu of flowers, perform an act of kindness in her memory and enjoy a dessert!

Quote from St. Paul: “The time for my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race; I have kept the faith”

Burial at Rose Hill Cemetery will be private. Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home in Manchester is in care of arrangements. To leave a memory or message of condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com

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