Millie Vero

Millie Vero was an expressive, optimistic, and caring individual, with a lust for life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Millie, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Millie really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Her parents were Diomedo and Immaculata Amindola. Millie was raised in Brooklyn, New York on Coney Island Avenue. Her mother passed away when she was 10 years old, and she was raised by her father and older siblings. Millie was one of 14, with two sets of twins. Pasqualina, Francesco, Anna, Vincenso, twins who died a few days old, Louisa, Assunta, Salvatore, Anthony, Ralph, Carmela (deceased), Carmela (Mom), Maria. Even as a child, Millie had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. In her younger years she was shy, but adventurous. She loved to climb to the top of billboards dangle her feet and throw pebbles.

Always a good playmate, Millie was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was. She had a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Millie experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She enjoyed playing basketball and was known as "Lightning" on the court.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Millie very easy to approach. When she was 18 she met Frank Vero at a wedding. Frank was the best man and Millie was one of the guests. Frank noticed her sparkling green eyes from across the room and was mesmerized. He dumped his date to strike up a conversation. This infuriated his date and she proceeded to throw a drink at her. Millie and Frank left the party so she could change clothes. There was a blackout and he reached over and kissed her, and that was that! Millie and Frank exchanged wedding vows on May 29, 1943 in North Carolina where Frank was stationed at a Marine base. They were married by a Justice of the Peace because she forgot her Baptismal Certificate.

Millie and Frank were blessed with five children, John, Frank, Margaret, Rosie, & Jeannie. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Camille, Irene, John, Jeannine, Jon, Robert, Frankie, Anthony, Jesse & Dina and five great-grandchildren, Dustin, Kaitlyn, Dakota, Deacon, & Katana. Millie had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that's where all of her attention was directed. Millie’s compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play.

At work, as in life, Millie was a real “people person.” Her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Millie was a waitress all of her life and retired at 65. She was vivacious and attentive to all, treated customers like family and everyone loved her.

Millie enjoyed her leisure time reading, cooking, sewing, playing cards, camping with her family and BINGO. Millie also loved to dance, but most of all enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren & friends.

Millie believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 1985, Millie took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With her boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Millie remained busy with people and projects. Even in retirement, Millie continued to stay in touch with her old friends and, since she'd never met a stranger, she made plenty of new acquaintances as well. She was the life of the party.

On November 23, 2011, at age 86, Millie passed away in her home. She is survived by her children Frank, Margaret, Rosie and Jeannie. A Rosary, Catholic Memorial Service will be held at Eternal Valley Chapel Hill on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 1pm. She will then be buried with her husband and son at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary in Newhall, Ca.

Millie brought joy to all of those around her. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for life in all that she did. Millie Vero lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile. Please join us in remembering Millie Vero by visiting our Memorial at www.eternalvalleymortuary.com. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with the Vero Family. You may also order flowers for the service at the same website or call 877-894-0431, provide code: 51329