Vera Smider Polak

Vera Smider Polak, age 91, of North Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away suddenly on Friday, May 3, 2024. Vera was born to Mike and Anna Smider on August 31, 1932, in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania. She was raised in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and when her mother passed away in 1955, she helped her father raise her younger brother, George. After graduating from St. Peter's high school in 1950, Vera attended Douglas Business School to take secretarial classes, including shorthand. Vera found work as a secretary for the security department at the Bettis Plant, which was instrumental in manufacturing many of the parts used in the first atomic submarine, The Nautilus. She often commented on how she really loved that job, and that is where she met her life long best friend, Gerrie Hawk. In 1957, Vera met the love of her life, Ronald Polak, at a dance at the Palisades Hall. They married on June 7, 1958, at St. Peter's Church. When their daughter, Karen, was born in 1962, Vera became a stay at home mom. While Karen was in high school, Vera began working again as a temporary secretary, and eventually accepted a secretarial position with the McKeesport School District, where her husband was an educator. They were active in Holy Trinity Parish, which was comprised of many first and second generation immigrants from Slovakia. Ron and Vera shared a Slovak heritage of which they were very proud. The couple retired from the school district in 1993, and remained in McKeesport until 2006, when they relocated to North Las Vegas to be near Karen. Ron and Vera were members of St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church in North Las Vegas.

Vera will be remembered for her kind and caring nature. She was intelligent, patient, and always there for her family and friends. She enjoyed playing slot machines, traveling (especially cruises), and playing cards (hand & foot). She also loved to read fiction, and enjoyed watching British detective shows. As a night owl, she absolutely loved the fact that one could stream any kind of show they want to see at any time. She supported Karen's musical activities and attended most of her performances. Vera was a life-long Democrat who went to her grave wondering how anyone could support the MAGA movement.

In addition to her parents, Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, brother, George, and sister-in-law, Carol.

Vera is survived by her daughter, Karen; brother-in-law, John Polak; and sister-in-law, Cynthia Smider. She leaves many friends and family members behind who will miss her greatly, as well as four cats (Toby, Ripley, Bailey, and Bruno) who adored her, and miss her very much.

A visitation is scheduled at Palm Northwest Mortuary on Thursday, May 9th, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. (Appetizers and beverages will be available.) The mortuary is located at 6701 N. Jones Blvd. in Las Vegas, NV, 89131. On May 10th at 10:00 am, a funeral mass will be held for Vera at St. John Neumann Catholic Church located at 2575 W. El Campo Grande Ave., North Las Vegas, NV, 89031. She will be cremated and, on a date to be determined, her remains will be taken to the mausoleum on the campus of St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, to rest beside her husband, Ron.