Vera M Mikolajczyk

Vera May Mikolajczyk was born on March 10, 1949, in San Antonio, Texas, and departed this life on October 14, 2025, at home in San Antonio after a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. She was predeceased by her parents, Earl Smith and Della Smith.

Born into an Air Force family, Vera's childhood was a global adventure. She carried the lessons of adaptability and resilience learned while moving between Germany, Morocco, and other stateside bases in North Dakota and California, among others throughout her life.

In 1969, Vera married her first husband, Glen Ketchum, with whom she raised four daughters and continued to travel the world, moving between Crete, England and stateside bases in Utah and Oklahoma. Though the marriage later ended, she deeply valued the years they shared and the family they built together. She later found her lifelong partner in her second husband, Raymond Mikolajczyk, back in San Antonio.

While she called many places home, her true heart belonged to the lanes. Vera was an avid and passionate bowler throughout her adult life, finding both competition and a vibrant community of friends in the sport. More than a player, she was a dedicated mentor, spending her Saturdays coaching children ages 5 to 18, sharing her love for the game and passing on her love for the sport. Her dedication was remarkable: even as her sight diminished and her strength waned, she continued to participate, demonstrating a tenacity and will to live fully that inspired all who bowled alongside her. The lanes were where her spirit shone brightest.

Vera had an array of passions that kept her spirit vibrant. She was a dedicated fan of music of all genres, but most especially the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd. She loved to settle in to watch her stories. A devoted viewer of The Young and the Restless since its very first episode, the show provided a constant source of entertainment and comfort throughout her life, a dedication spanning more than five decades.

She loved her grandchildren to pieces, finding unparalleled joy in every moment spent with them. Even in her final days, she treasured every visit and every few moments she could share with them.

Those left to celebrate her life include her beloved husband, Raymond Mikolajczyk; her devoted daughters, Duran Cuellar (Pete), Nadine Cochran (Robert), Delisa Ramos (Robert), and Naomi Lugo; her cherished grandchildren, Peter, Joshua, Courtney, Benjamin, Daniel, Johnathan, Isaiah, Jacob, Abigail, Trey, and Emma; her adorable great grandchildren, Evangeline (Eevee), Scarlet, Benjamin, Lynette, Evelyn, Raelyn, Leon, and the one she was sad she would miss due to arrive next spring; and her siblings, Nancy Underwood and Thomas Smith. She is also survived by her best friend of over 50 years, Phyllis Cox.

A memorial service will be held to reflect and remember Vera's life on November 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Castle Hills Christian Church, located at 6209 West Ave, San Antonio, TX.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life immediately following the memorial to honor her spirit and share joyful memories. This event will take place on the same day from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 115 Ranch Valley, San Antonio, TX.