Vera M. Tornabene

Vera M. Tornabene, age 88, of Dover, and a long-time resident of New Philadelphia, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, in Hennis Care Centre, Dover. Vera never met a stranger – she was always interested, friendly and kind.

Born July 14, 1928, in Wainwright, she was a daughter of the late Martin and Rose A. Fox Bonvechio. Vera graduated from New Philadelphia High school in 1946, and married Louis J. Tornabene on December 1, 1951. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and was employed by the Tuscarawas County AAA for 34 years, retiring as manager of the organization's insurance department in 1993.

Vera was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia, where she belonged to the Altar Society, L.C.B.A., Senior Citizens, Prayer Chain, was a greeter (Sunday and bereavement), served on Parish Advisory Council, initiated the Divine Mercy devotion, and participated in the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Additionally, she was a member of the Lady Elks, The Red Hat Society (serving as Queen), and the Southside Neighborhood Lunch Group. She and Louis were an integral part of their grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives, supporting them through all of their school and sporting endeavors and beyond. In retirement, Vera and Louis very much enjoyed traveling.

In addition to her husband, Louis, survivors include her daughter, Susan "Suzi" (Rick) Keller of Dover; her sons, Tim (Judy) Tornabene of New Philadelphia, and Tom (Kathi) Tornabene of Port Washington; her grandchildren, Scot (Jessica) Keller, Allison (Stephen) Hoffmann, Kelsey (Bryan) McConaha, Gretta (Bob) Patrick, Marita and Ernie Tornabene and Jonah Leggett-Crolley; her step-grandchildren, Nick and Tracy Keller, Deena and Kurt Gruber and Chrissy Keller; her great-grandchildren, Sophia, Cora, Annie, Charlotte, Callie, Sam, Ben and Fiona; her sister-in-law, Lillian (husband, Tom Lanigan) Hudson; her nieces and nephews; and her many dear and special friends.

Besides her parents, Vera was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Natale and Julia Marucci Tornabene; her sisters, Anna "Honey" Vesco, Cora "Bachie" Kohler and Evelyn "Bebe" Smith; her brother, Martin "Sonny" Bonvechio; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sam and Patricia Tornabene.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m., in Sacred Heart Church, New Philadelphia, with Fr. Jeff Coning officiating. Burial will be in New Philadelphia's Calvary Cemetery. Following the committal, there will be a luncheon in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center on the Boulevard in Dover. Family and Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, on Thursday, March 23, 3 – 8 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed Thursday at 7:45 p.m. in the funeral home. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Vera, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home's website.

The family would like to acknowledge Hennis Care Centre and Aultman Hospice for their wonderful care and kindness – Thank You So Very Much.

It is suggested that contributions in Vera's memory be made to the Sacred Heart Church Building Fund, 139 Third St. N.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.