Vera Kundzicz Harrison

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Vera K. Harrison, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the remarkable age of 104. She lived life to the fullest, cherished her family deeply and was grounded throughout her life by her strong faith.

Her life began in Delaware, Ohio, where she was born Vera Mae Dutcher on June 6, 1921, to George and Jessie (Ross) Dutcher. Her only sister, Ruth Waters, survives her at age 100.

Vera met the first love of her life, Edison Harrison, through church and while attending high school in Columbus, Ohio. They were married in 1940. They settled in Massachusetts where their five surviving children were born: C. Brett Harrison (Anne), Mark Harrison (Joyce), Jill Murphy (Ron), Scott Harrison (Catherine), Andrea Plain (George). Vera and Ed were active members of Methodist churches wherever they lived and they especially loved traveling. Many weekends were spent camping and boating in Maine. They loved touring the country by travel trailer. Although they visited nearly all the national parks, Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park was Vera’s favorite. Over the years, they also made homes in Schenectady, New York; Worthington, Ohio; Columbus, Indiana; and South Bend, Indiana.

Vera found herself alone after Ed’s sudden death in 1981 but she wasn’t alone for long. Next she fell in love with Henry Kundzicz through family gatherings. Henry was her eldest son’s father-in-law whom the entire family had known for many years. Vera and Henry were married in 1985 and spent 17 wonderful years together in Chatham, Massachusetts. They hosted countless family gatherings and volunteered at church lobster suppers and local baseball games. All twelve of Vera’s grandchildren have fond memories of vacations on Cape Cod with Grandma and Grandpa Kundzicz.

Henry passed away in 2003 but, again, Vera was not alone for long. Later that same year, at the age of 82, she married the final love of her life, Everett Harrison. She had known Ev for a very long time since he was Edison’s brother! Suddenly, cousins became step-siblings and our family became even closer. Vera and Ev divided their time between Chatham, Massachusetts, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at Willow Valley, a beautiful retirement community where they eventually lived full time as they aged and needed more assistance. Ev passed away in 2020 at age 99.

Many have asked what the secret was to Vera’s longevity. Her family of five children plus spouses, four step-children, twelve grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren brought her great joy and love. She was adaptable, adjusting to change and embracing opportunities throughout her life. At age 60, she recognized the importance of exercise and remained physically active, participating in many programs including classes offered in her skilled nursing facility. Above all, she lived with gratitude, thankful for all the phone calls and visits to Willow Valley by friends and family and for the exceptional care she received from the staff at The Glen at Willow Valley, both on the 3rd and 5th floors.

Vera’s burial will take place on Monday, February 2, in Chatham, Massachusetts with immediate family. Friends and family are invited to gather for a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, June 6, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Osterville, 57 Pond St, Osterville, MA 02655, where her children attend church and great-grandchildren attend preschool.