Quechee, VT – Jeanette Veverka of Quechee, VT passed away on January 5th, 2026 only 4 days after her 85th birthday surrounded by her loving children, Peter, Tara, and Donna and son-in-law James. She was born in Queens, NY to Gretel (Greb) and William Strump of which both were immigrant families from Germany. Her diagnosis progressed very quickly from Thanksgiving onward but she was able to enjoy quality visits and nurturing wisdom with her 14 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Jeanette’s forename means “God is gracious” and beautifully connotes the grace, divine favor, and enduring charm she displayed in her life through school, parenting, hobbies, sports, jobs, and volunteering. She graduated from Queens College, NY with a Liberal Arts degree and started working as a secretary where she met her husband, Arthur, and they were married on May 29th 1965. They lived in Suffern, NY for 29 years where Jeanette was very active volunteering for just about everything and supportive parenting. Jeanette and Arthur were Eucharistic ministers at Sacred Heart Parish in Suffern and she volunteered for the YMCA, garden club, and also giving art lessons in a very popular weekly painting lessons with wine tasting. The Veverka’s moved to Quechee, VT in 1995 and immediately jumped into the year-round activities that Q.L.L.A offered and they so loved. The first annual Q.L.L.A. family pentathlon, 31 years ago and before it was ginormous, went to the Jeanette and Art’s “Squirrel Squadron” with help of Jeanette’s prowess as an avid tennis, pickleball (even before it was uber cool), golfer, skier (downhill and XC), and biker. Her tremendous energy and positive attitude kept her playing into late 2025. She was a valued partner in tennis and well known to hit the ball exactly where the opponents were not, to which many can attest.
One of Jeanette’s gifts was as an artist and she loved all types of media including painting, sculpture, jewelry, paper art, and painting wood cutouts she made with her beloved husband who proceeded her in death in 2002. The family plans to donate a one of her paintings to a local organization so that it can be enjoyed by others for many years to come. Jeanette used her talent at numerous events at the Quechee Club and was well known to have created gorgeous table decorations on a tight budget by enjoying the opportunity to purchase wholesale flowers. She helped adorn the Quechee Library gardens each year as a member of the Garden Club and was a key member who will be greatly missed.
Jeanette not only gave her physical talents generously but also volunteered for David’s House and Habitat For Humanity as well as acting as a youth mentor in a program for teens where she was “step” Grandma, providing kinds words of encouragement and heartfelt positive guidance. Jeanette was a world traveler stepping foot on all but 2 continents visiting places most of us have never seen in person. Her favorite trips were to safari in Africa with hot air ballooning over the savannahs and to the Himalayas in Nepal where she purchased yak wool sweaters that are still being worn by family members – quite fashionable but also quite itchy. Jeanette continued biking trips with Quechee friends until her early 80’s.
Jeanette was an active member of Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Woodstock, VT and served as a Eucharistic minister giving rides on Sunday to parishioners who were not able to drive. Her art skills were aptly put to use helping to renovate the Stations of Cross and are still on display in the Church proper. Her life was filled with bountiful generosity until the end. Mom, we’re glad you can fly now, but don’t drive. We love you and will miss your warm heart. All your family and friends have been graced to know you.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday January 9, 2026 at the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, VT from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday January 10, 2026 at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Woodstock beginning at 10:30am. Burial will be held at a later date.
Those wishing may make memorial donations to CHaD or Habitat for Humanity.
An on-line guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com
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