Stories about Vera
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From: Kendall Knapp Macaluso, Family
Today I woke up and realized I am living a day that Grandmommy never got to experience. It is a sobering feeling. 35 years of loving her, of memories with her. How do you combine them all down to one post which explains the immense impact she had on my life. It would be impossible.
So what I will leave today is a collection of words that represent only a small piece of the amount of love I feel and the memories that touched me the most. The best hugs, the kind that really squeezed back, thanksgivings, cooking in the kitchen, banana trees, pebbled patios, The Land Before Time, unwrapping Arby's, poinsettias, thimbles, music on the house speakers, my wedding, thanksgiving day parades, cruise roommates, holding Grace, mirror and glass decorations, birthday cards, the cats hiding under their guest bed, her love for her church, rose bushes, pillowcases, Disney, Chili's, fabric everywhere, grapefruit, stories of living overseas.
The list could go on forever, she was fierce, loyal, feisty and loving. She always believed in me. Grandmommy, you were greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
From: Bonnie J Koester, Neighbor
Vera was a special friend, at least once a month we would take a ride to Tampa. I think we had more fun on the ride back and forth from Tampa then actually gambling. Vera, Gerry and I have a lot of good memories.
From: Taylor Knapp, Family
One of my earliest memories with Grandmom - I was laying on my back with my feet up on the chair she was sitting in. She was tickling them and we were both giggling. Knowing her as I got older, I think it was quite an act of love. :)
I also have strong memories of Thanksgiving meals and Grandmom taking point on the turkey. She would fearlessly work through the giblets, heart, liver, etc. I thought that was pretty cool as a kid.
She had a great smile and laugh.
From: Angela Holstein, LifePointe Church
I have worked with Vera for several years, but I really got to know her well over the past five years while we shared an office. She had a tough exterior at times but as the weeks and months went by I soon found out that she is one of the most caring people I have ever known.
My fondest memories are of her asking about my family, and really learning the small things about them. She still wants to know if Evan got his heat fixed in his car (and he just did) and how he is doing in the Air Force, she would always save her hot sauce packets from her chili at Wendy’s to give to Evan as he loves hot sauce. She always told me when Jacob’s favorite frozen pizza was on BOGO at Publix and she would make sure I knew when Publix had the gas cards $10 off. She really was the coupon queen, but that was how she showed others she really cared about them. She will be dearly missed!
From: Jim Menditto, LifePointe Church
I worked with Vera for a few years only, but we enjoyed many sweet conversations and prayer times. I am a better man having known her.
See you at “the house“ my dear friend.... love ya!
From: Lisa Menditto, LifePointe Church
I was so blessed to have a season of service with Vera at LifePointe Church...we enjoyed many hugs, interesting conversations & coupon hunting :)...it was always a joy seeing Vera & I will miss her sweet smile & witty personality...it’s truly a blessing from God that we get to share a part of our journey with precious ones like Vera!
From: Rev. Joanthan D. Pearson, “JP”
Lead Pastor LifePointe Church
In my 20 plus years of ministry, I have had the privilege of knowing many amazing people who love the Lord. Mrs. Vera is one that not only did I have the privilege of knowing, but I also was blessed to serve with in ministry. I met Mrs. Vera over 12 years ago, when I came in view of a call as the Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church of Eustis, now LifePointe Church. As I started on staff, I was told many important things to know and be aware of, but one of those was to watch it and be careful around Mrs. Vera, because she is tough! Well, that was correct in some ways, Mrs. Vera was certainly no nonsense when it came to being fiscally responsible (especially with the church’s finances), and she was not interested in ANY games or frivolity there. As a matter of fact, some would lovingly refer to her as “The Bulldog”, as she took her role with church finances very seriously. Even to the point of clipping coupons and making sure that the church got the very best price on anything and everything we needed. But my experience with Mrs. Vera was not what I was warned about. I found her to be so kind and generous. Her love for her Savior and her church was so evident in the way she served. I guess the fact that I served in the Marine Corps allowed me to appreciate her ability to balance being both firm and compassionate, we seemed to see things eye to eye. She and I got along very well, and it didn’t hurt that she truly reminded me of my grandmother in so many ways.
There are so many things that I will miss about her until we see each other again in glory. But what I will miss the most, is her beautiful smile and love. Although my schedule began to get increasingly busy as my role in ministry increased, I did my best to not miss an opportunity in the office to say hello and get a hug from her. To know Mrs. Vera was to love her, although you would certainly “mind your manners” around her. Mrs. Vera loved Jesus and demonstrated that love in the way she loved and served the church so faithfully for so many years.
And where I find incredible comfort during this time, is that we have not lost Mrs. Vera. We know exactly where she is because of Romans 8: 37-39 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Because Mrs. Vera loved her Savior Jesus and placed all of her trust and confidence in Him, we know she is in His presence at this very moment. Her struggles with health and this life are forever over and she has been perfectly healed and is more alive today than ever here on this earth. I am so grateful for the privilege to know, serve with and love Vera Knapp. While my heart is broken and I will deeply miss her, I also rejoice with her in the Victory that we have in Jesus! So we do not say goodbye today, but instead, until we see you again, when all of those who are in Christ are reunited in the presence of our God and King Jesus!
From: Mary Knapp, Family
The first day I met my future Mother-in-law she served me peas. I hated peas. Over the years I realized Mom hated peas also. I often teased her about "the message" she might have been trying to send. Teasing Mom was never risky. She took loving teasing well with a smile and often her trademark laugh. It should have been bottled so we can all hear the wonderful sound when we need to.
Making suggestions to Mom on an alternative way of doing things? Well, that took courage of steel and was almost always a waste of time. Mom was pretty steady (as in concrete type of solid) on how she thought things should be done and wasn't especially interested in compromise. Period. For those of us that loved her to any degree, it was sort of like a boulder in a beautiful stream we loved to spend time in. The water always had to go around it but it didn't change how wonderful the experience was on the whole.
That steady, unwavering strength of will also accompanied a steady, unwavering deep commitment to the people and things she cared about and loved. For those who were around, Mom, long enough to experience it - it was a tremendous blessing to have it poured over you.
So to copy my daughter - a lists of words that can't possibly encompass the whole of how I feel or my experiences with her over 40 plus years - her brothers, her parents, her extended family, the cedar chest, her love for our children - including our first (dog Nikki), holiday meals at their home which later became Thanksgiving at ours for over a decade , many trips to Disney, Fourth of July in Mt Dora, Boxing Day in the Bahamas, sharing the grief at Dad's death, Christmas Cruise, both our children's weddings, her joy at photos of our children and grandchildren, spending extended time w/her during Dad's stroke, her heart valve replacement, hip replacement, and the past year as she started her long journey home.
I wouldn't change a thing,
Well...maybe those peas.... =)
We will miss Mom dearly but we know where she is and we will see her again.
Until then - Mom , may the BOGO's be plentiful, the coupon discounts be deep, and those that preceded you blessed to have you pouring your love on them now.
From: Heather Carson, LifePoint Church
I met Vera three years ago when I started working in the church office. She was the best saver of anyone I have ever met. I remember hearing her on the phone disputing sales tax that we paid in error. She saved the church so much money finding the best deals whether it be through a coupon or sale, she was on it. And she let all of us know of different grocery or restaurant sales as well. When I was leaving to go to the post office, she would tell me "Don't come back unless you're bringing back lots of money" and I would respond, "If I don't come back, you know there was no money" And we would laugh. She was always thinking of others. She would often asked me about my daughter.
On Fridays, she would always ask me if I was working at my other job delivering pizzas. On Mondays she would ask how I did. I still miss seeing her car when I walk around the corner and hearing her sweet giggle. She had a great laugh. Last month after I paid off all my debt, I sent her an email sharing my big news. I knew that she would really appreciate that. I received a card from her with a kitten on it (We have cats so of course she thought of that :) ) She told me she was proud of me for making the decision to work at getting rid of it. That meant so much to me. Vera didn't give lip service so that was a huge compliment. She was an awesome person. And I will miss her. It was a blessing to know her.
From: James Menditto, LifePointe Church
I first met Vera in 2014. I was 18, and was just starting at LifePointe as an intern for Upward Sports. We hit it off right away. We had “Kindred Spirits”. We shared many laughs and many sweet hugs. And she coined me a nick name. Little Jimmy. Even though I am 6 ft 260 pounds. She also would always ask me if I had on pants! Because I would always wear shorts when the weather got cold down here. We had blessed times.
Prayers for the Family. She has made it home, and is with her sweet hubby again. Miss you Vera️
From: Latcia Hardy, LifePoint Church
When someone welcomes you into the fold as a co-worker and then over the years as a dear friend, it’s hard to put into words the impact their life made on you – a shared love of dark chocolate, sewing, pets, Sunday coupons, articles, and magazines -- and oh, those cold hands but warm heart – Vera wasn’t just a co-worker but an extended family member. She took great joy in spoiling my 4-legged fur babies who frequently received their own Christmas gift bags and treats from “Aunt Vera”!! And I would have to send her photos of my cat, Fat Harry, so she could continue spoiling him from a distance. She also enjoyed it when I would tell her I was her “understudy” at work, especially when I used a coupon code for an online purchase, sharing how much I saved. Her memory will be everywhere and I’m forever blessed to have her smile and laugh ingrained in my heart.
From: Debra Davenport, LifePoint Church
Vera has been a dear friend for many years. She has a sharp sense of humor, backed with much love. I admire her fierce loyalty to her family, friends and her church. She always had a hug, a supportive wise word, a ton of coupons and a smile. While she was a thrifty shopper, she would always get what was needed - and at the very best price. Vera was sure to let you know that she loved you. She extended that love out as well, always asking about family, even family pets. I was able to enjoy some sweet time with her and I miss her. What a blessing to know we will see her again!
From: Dann Ragan, LifePoint Church
Sweet, spunky Vera will be greatly missed. I have only know Vera for about 21 months. I always stayed on her good side by providing detailed receipts and not paying tax. I know Vera liked me, because when I needed supplies, she always gave me 2 of everything instead of just one. She really loved LifePointe Church and went out of her way to save every penny that she could. I know that her frugality really got the church through some tough times over the years. She loved counting the offering and was so excited when we had a good one. Whenever I helped her count, she had a specific way things had to be done, no exceptions! Vera was practical and logical. However, behind the tough exterior I found a dear, caring person who would go out of her way to serve others and the church, with no fanfare.
From: Kathy Collins-Lantz, Family
Growing up in the Collins family I have found memories of spending time with my Grandma Collins (Vera’s Mom), especially after my parents divorced and then into my adulthood, even when I moved back to Fort Myers at 18. Grandma loved her family as well as us grandchildren. Grandpa was tough, he would hug you and watch you from a distance.
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to spend more time with Aunt Vera, but unfortunately when my parents divorced my Mom kept a tight rein on me because of this divorce. I have always tried to reach out to family, and friends especially those that had good relationships with their parents as you did with your Mom.
I remember as a small child coming to Virginia to visit with your family, it was you and Diana still at home then. Your Dad was always so happy and welcoming whenever I did see him including the memorial service for Grandma Collins. During the visit, Aunt Vera called me over and said I want to give you something, as she passes me a ring of Grandmas, which I still wear to this day, I had to replace the shank, and I’ve lost a stone in it, but to me it’s the most beautiful ring I have.
For her to share this with me, was something I will forever be grateful for.
I also have a jewelry box Aunt Vera gave me, and a heart pendant she gave to me and my cousin Linda, I was 18 months at that time.
Jack, I see the closeness of your family and those that loved Aunt Vera within the photos that she had on FB, it’s something to cherish as a family.
As you said in your words that you had written, it shows love. That’s what is important to grow up with, and parts of that I envy, to be honest. I will always keep the memories I had close to my heart.
Thank you for sharing the photos you did, I have none of the Collins, nor of my childhood memories and seeing them makes me cry because can I imagine myself at their house. The picture of Aunt Vera, sitting at the sewing machine, reminded me of myself last night trying to make more masks for family & friends.
I was told by my Aunt she was called Pocahontas in High School because of her pigtails, she was beautiful in those photos, always carried herself like a lady, which she was.
I remember once visiting with her, she taught me etiquette, she showed me how to properly set a table to dine.
I wished I could pull more out of my memory bank but it’s too old and I think worn out worrying about what the future holds for all of us.
Hugs from afar Kathy
From: Merry Lee Worrell, LifePoint Church
I wanted to let you know how much Vera was loved and appreciated. She has taken care of every purchasing detail of any involvement I had at First Baptist LifePointe. A church she deeply loved and deeply loved her. She is a picture of what it means to serve God until He calls you home. Strong, independent, with attention to detail and a winsome smile that I will always remember. She is going to have the best Easter Celebration ever with Lyle and their Lord . She loved my family well and she loved you both very much. May god richly bring fond memories of Ms. Vera an d your father at this time of loss.
From: Gabe Macaluso, Family
The thing I love most about Gigi was her fire and passion for life. She lived with such intent and purpose in everything that she did. I feel so lucky I got to know her for the last 15 years as her grandson (married to Kendall Knapp Macaluso) and got to experience that so many times over the years. We used to laugh regularly about her being a secret agent and her stories of being in Asia supporting who knows who...she never did crack or let a secret slip.
She was fiercely loyal and such an amazing person to be around. I love that she passed that on to my wife, Kendall, and I get to see that same passion for life on a daily basis. I am thankful my kids get to see that and live it and I can see the same intentionality within them - it is an amazing legacy Gigi has left for our family and I am forever grateful for that. We love you and we miss you but you will always be in our home.
From: Emily Pearson, LifePoint Church
Mrs. Vera’s legacy will live on in the hearts of many at LifePointe church. She never ceased to demonstrate leadership in reminding us to steward our resources with excellence. We are all changed in some way for having known her and having been loved by her. Her family will be in our prayers often- since those who knew her best and were closest to her must be grieving deeply. What a glorious day it will be to see her again in heaven and get a hug and see that smile!
From: Elisabeth, LifePoint Church
I go to the church were she worked for school. I always loved seeing her when I came in. The day I heard she died I started sobbing. I miss her so much I want to see her again.
I love her so much! :)
From: Lowell and Bernie Germeroth, Friends
Vera was a very sweet and thoughtful lady. Always thinking of others. Will miss talking with her. She fought a courageous battle with breast cancer. She would hardly ever complain.
We will miss her. Fond memories.