Vera Gertraude Goldberg

Vera was born in Leipzig, Germany on January 16, 1921. As a young woman, she worked as a model and then, during the allied occupation of Germany following WWII, as a secretary for the US government where she met her future husband, army officer, Seymour L. Goldberg. She was a German national, and he, an American Jew; their love story was one that defied history.

At the conclusion of his assignment disbanding the Dachau concentration camp, they married and moved to the United States followed by Vera’s parents who lived with them for the reminder of their lives. The Goldberg family soon expanded with the addition of three daughters creating a close-knit bilingual, multi-cultural family filled with warmth and love. Military life agreed with the family’s sense of adventure as they travelled extensively. They lived in numerous locations, including a three-year stint in Germany, eventually

returning to the Washington, DC area. Upon retirement from military service, Seymour and Vera chose Williamsburg Virginia, where they built their home and lived for twenty-five wonderful years before moving to Charlotte in 1997.

Vera was beautiful, inside and out. She was known for her love of family, her elegance, grace, sense of humor, and compassion. She expressed her gratitude for each kindness, large or small. Vera enjoyed meeting new people and her sincere interest in them was unmistakable. She was a peace-builder and cared deeply about the lives of others. Although organized and regimented, she always added a bit of

mischief to whatever she did; she could make even the most mundane tasks fun. Her grace and charm were evident to all who met her. A teenage family friend once said of Vera, “Not everyone has a Mimi like yours!”

Vera’s friends were very important, but the greatest love in her life was her family; they were at the center

of everything she did. Having grown up an only child, Vera would often marvel at her life: “I am so lucky,” she would say. “I have the three most wonderful daughters who married the most wonderful men, and now I am part of a large, loving family.” She seemed amazed by her good fortune, yet it was clear to everyone around her that her devoted family was no accident, but rather, was of her own making. “Mimi”

was adored by all the family, and through her love and care, she made certain each and every one knew they were special to her.

Vera had seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Despite the geographic distances between

them, she was close to each one. Over the years, family gatherings occurred frequently including holidays

and beach trips; since moving to Charlotte, Vera hosted every Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve for the entire family at her home.

Over the years, as the wife of an army Colonel, Vera was often in a leadership role of organizing and hosting special events which she accomplished with great aplomb. Two of her most fulfilling volunteer commitments were as Chairwoman of the German-American Friendship Alliance in Munich, Germany,

and later as a Hospice volunteer. In Williamsburg, Vera also served as a liaison for tourists who suddenly fell ill and were in need of hospitalization. She provided comfort to the patient’s family while helping to secure support, accommodations, and social services. Vera enjoyed bridge, the performing arts, swimming, knitting and dancing. She was an excellent cook, so much so that, each evening as the family

dinner came to a close, Seymour would say without fail, “Thank you, Vera! I believe this is the best dinner you have ever made!” His love of her was deep and abiding and, over their fifty-four-year marriage, it grew with each passing day.

Vera is survived by and will be greatly missed by daughters, Stephanie Ansaldo (Tony), Margie Whalen

(Bud); grandchildren Alex Ansaldo (Anna), Nicholas Arbor (Casey), Patrick Whalen (Kristin), Emily Thomas (Josh), Michael Whalen, Natalie Weinstein (fiancé Dave Lindenbaum), and Alexandra Weinstein (fiancé Rowan Cignoni); and great-grandchildren, Aviv, Leonora, McKensie, Campbell, James, Annie, Charlie, Jackson, William, Molly and Megan. She was predeceased by her husband Col. Seymour L.

Goldberg and daughter, Juliana Weinstein.

Special thanks to Vera’s trusted and loving caregivers, Violani Eliesa, Ou Tyson, and Carrie Flock as well as to the Southminster Retirement Community where she lived for twenty-three years.

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a small family only service at 2 pm on Monday, December 21 at Hebrew Cemetery which can be viewed via Facebook Live.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, The Echo Foundation, The

Assistance League of Charlotte, Southminster Retirement Community or a charity of your choice.