Obituary: Vera E. Kapusta

Vera Eileen Kapusta of Derby, 100, passed into the arms of God on Nov. 28, at Griffin Hospital.

She was born to Ralph and Mae Perry in Sartell, MN, on July 26, 1921. From the beginning, she was spunky and unafraid to try new things. As a teenager she performed as a tap dancer and helped her Dad, the local postmaster, deliver mail even though she couldn’t see over the steering wheel of the car. In the early 1940’s she volunteered at the VA Hospital in St. Cloud, MN, and then enlisted in the US Navy and became a WAVE. She trained in NY and was eventually assigned to Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL, where she operated flight simulators for pilots in training. It was there that she met the love of her life, John B. Kapusta of Derby. They would marry and enjoy life together for 43 years before he passed away in 1988.

She worked at Griffin Hospital as an aide in the pediatric ward for 26 years where her devotion, love and compassion made her popular with the staff and patients alike. We’ve all heard of the Greatest Generation and she was one of them. She was also very passionate about her family and her love was unconditional. They brought her the greatest joy.

She is predeceased by John and her beloved daughter, Sandra Franko. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Bryan Kapusta of Derby, her daughter Elaine Evans of Watertown, four grandsons and their partners, Francis and Jeannette Macero of Naugatuck, Matt and Suzanne Macero of Oxford, Shawn and Kaitlin Kapusta of North Carolina and Eric Kapusta and Katie Kalakay of Derby. Great Grandchildren include Frankie and Brigette Macero, Adam and Maya Macero, Damien and Elisa Kapusta and Hunter and Myla Kapusta.

The family is grateful for the aides of Middlebrook Farms of Trumbull and Bright Star that provided long term care. Most impressive was the end of life care provided by the doctors, nurses and aides at Griffin Hospital and CT Hospice. Their love, compassion and kindness made this event easier to bear. The family will always be thankful.

Friends may call on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby. Family and friends are required to wear masks. On Thursday, Dec. 9, her funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 am for her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church. Her burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Ave., Derby, CT 06418 in Vera’s name for the memory of Sandra Franko.

Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.