Vera Vita Souza

Vera Vita Dolores Souza, sweet mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin, left this earth in the arms of The Good Shepherd, on September 1, 2021, at the age of 94. Vera was born in San Jose California, to Samuel E. Caccamo and Rose Gairnese Caccamo, on December 16, 1926. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Edward Souza, her brother, John Francis Caccamo, cherished sister, Tina Gloria Rose, and precious daughter, Diane Marie Becker. Vera is survived by her daughter, Darlene Rose Bursch (Andy), nine wonderful grandchildren, Mickayela, Justin, Heidi, Damian, Amorette, Erik, Wyatt, Wesley and Ashley, and their devoted spouses, and by twelve beautiful great grandchildren, Preston, Tyler, Chelsea, Bella, Sammy, Johanna, Emma, Ty, Teagan, Shay, Brenna and Kinsley. Vera is also survived by her adored nieces Jeanne Rene Watson and Trisha Garcia, and their families, and her dear nephews Michael, Steven, Patrick and Kevin Souza, and treasured cousins, Margaret Gairnese-Hilje, Diane Hilje-Paradiso, and Marlene Hilje.

Vera was born into a large, close knit, Italian/Sicilian family, most of whom lived in the heart of Midtown San Jose. Surrounded by so many aunts, uncles and cousins,Vera, along with her sister, Tina, and brother, Johnny, enjoyed a family life rich with happy gatherings and celebrations. She loved reminiscing about the fourth of July barbecues, filled with delicious foods and thrilling fireworks, and vacations in “Uncle Frank’s” real log cabin in Uvas Meadows.

From her early childhood, Vera was very sensitive and tenderhearted, always wanting to please, and help out, and if she happened to do something wrong, everyone knew not to scold her, or she’d dissolve into tears. In her teenage years, Vera would fret over her sister Tina’s reckless behaviors, while Tina herself, was never deterred by what punishment might await her from their dad! Vera’s softer, cautious side was balanced by a love of playing school volleyball, and it was said everyone wanted her on their team, as she had one powerful serve. When she wasn’t sending a volleyball flying over the net, Vera, in keeping with her desire to be of help, volunteered as a candy striper at the original O’Connor Hospital (where she was born) on San Carlos Street, in San Jose. She loved visiting with patients, bringing them cool drinks and delivering flowers, and assisting the nurses. Also, wanting to do her part for the WWll effort, Vera collected tin foil to make into large balls to donate to the military, for use in wartime

aircraft. She even got her picture in the local newspaper, proudly displaying her collection. And when the sailors came into town on leave, she enjoyed their whistles, as she and her friends rode their bicycles downtown to the movie theatre.

After graduating from Santa Clara High School, Vera attended Heald’s Business College in San Jose, and then got a job with San Jose Ford in their sales department. Not long after she started her job, she met the man she would marry, Joseph Souza, through her sister, Tina. Tina had dated him a couple of times, but stated that he was too quiet for her. Vera, however, found him to be very sweet and kind, and Joe fell “head over heels” for her, and asked her to be his wife. Her immediate answer was “YES”, and so they were married on July 16, 1950.

Before she was married, Vera had envisioned herself as being the mother of eight boys, but after daughter, Darlene, was born in 1951, followed by her sister, Diane, in 1954, Vera was more than content with just her two girls. She was a loving wife and mother, and made a happy and comforting home for her family, where all were welcome. Vera felt truly blessed with her wonderful husband and beloved daughters, and a supportive, extended family, that included not only her sister and brother-in-law, and nieces, but all the affectionate and boisterous Portuguese members of Joe’s family.

As her daughters grew older, and married, having children of their own, Vera was overjoyed at the addition of each of her nine grandchildren. From birth, she loved and adored them, and was an integral part of their lives. She celebrated them and their accomplishments, and offered comfort when they were troubled, and gave her advice to always “Do nice”. Her grandkids loved her deeply in return, each one kiddingly claiming that he/ she was her favorite. Vera’s response never changed. “You’re ALL my favorites, and I love you all the same.” Still, each child liked to believe he or she actually WAS her favorite.

Vera, or Vita, or V, as she was affectionately called by her daughters and nieces, Jeanne and Trisha, brought warmth and smiles to all who met her. Her tender heart made Vera a loving, empathetic and supportive wife, mom, gramma, sister, aunt and friend. She was a thoughtful and generous neighbor, and showed the utmost kindness to all others she might encounter in her daily life. She truly practiced The Golden Rule, and her gentle heart and sweet nature, will be so missed, now that our Vera Vita has passed.