Vera Marie Gorka passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Hospice of North Central Ohio surrounded by her family. She was 94.
She was born December 26, 1920 to parents Wesley & Mae (Handy) Griggs Sr. in Vermilion, Ohio. Faith and family were the focus of Vera’s life. Her determination, strong will, and creativity enabled her to excel as Mother and homemaker through good times and times of adversity.
Prayer was woven into the very fabric of Vera’s daily routine. She found salvation through Christ at Faith Revivals Church / Diamond Hill Cathedral, where she was involved for many years. In her later years she was a devoted follower of the teachings of Joyce Meyer. Vera’s faith in Christ was felt by her family. She raised seven children, (ages spanning a range of twenty-one years), to know that they were special and that they were loved. Her strong influence as family matriarch ripples through the generations of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that follow her.
Vera loved to work in her flower gardens. She was a talented cook and seamstress. Her home was a showcase to her artistic and decorating talents.
Even as a young and busy mother Vera found time to venture out and develop her skills to become an excellent saleswoman. She started out travelling by bus, selling cosmetics and jewelry door to door and in party plans. In later years she worked in drapery design and sales and retired from a career in furniture sales with a reputation for her interior design talent.
She is survived by children Ron Gorka, Joseph (Lena) Gorka Jr., Marilyn (Ed) Trease, Dave Gorka, Tim (Jane) Gorka, and Suzie (Jeff) Hape; grandchildren Gary, Eric, Lori, Julie, Michael, Chris, Melissa, Abel, Natalia, Tory, Amber and Jonathan; 22 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; brother William Griggs and numerous nieces and nephews.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Pete Griggs, Frank Griggs, Buzz Griggs, Norman Griggs, Bob Griggs, Dick Griggs, Lillian Stone, Alice Griggs, and Rita Griggs, and also by her daughter Gloria Jean Gorka, and granddaughter Serenity Drozda.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where calling hours will be held the hour prior.
If you wish to make a contribution to honor her memory, the family suggests that you look around you at those who are struggling to get their footing, and reach out to them with a helping hand. Pay it forward. That is what she would do.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Vera’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
