Vera was born in Joplin, MO on July 2, 1923, to her parents Joe and Beaulah Atkinson. She had two sisters Dorothy and Lois Joann. She loved the hometown where she grew up with lots of cousins, friends, aunts, uncles and her grandparents.
In 1941 she met and fell in love with Robert "bob" Finch. After only a few dates they got married and had a few short months together before the Army called him to serve his country in World War II. Their love story lasted for 54 years until his death in November of 1995.
In the early 1950's Vera, Bob, and their two young daughters moved to California and over the years they had seven more children.
Vera had a few jobs during her lifetime and said her most important one was being a homemaker and mother. She loved to cook and was a gourmet pie baker. During the holidays she would make lots of extra pies so that each family member would have one to take home. She also made special pancakes for her grandchildren and was always available to make them whatever, whenever they wanted.
Vera loved to travel. Some of her favorite places were Hawaii, Palm Springs, and Clearwater Beach, Florida. Travelling by train on Amtrak was her favorite mode of transportation. She took many trips across the country to Kansas City, New Orleans, and Atlanta, GA. She loved going to Las Vegas and Laughlin to play the slot machines and see shows! Here at home, she loved going to Ventura Beach Marina to get her favorite fish and chips for lunch at Andria's Seafood Restaurant & Market.
Vera loved all kinds of music. Some of her favorite artists are Elvis, Daniel O'Donnell, Mario Lanza, and Celtic Thunder.
Vera is survived by her daughters; Fran Terk and husband Ed, Koby Finch, Kelly Wanjon and husband Gary, Sons Robert Finch Jr., Sterling Finch, and wife Sue, Mark Finch and wife Teresa, John Finch and wife Silma, and Patrick Finch. Vera also leaves behind 29 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild as well as her Sister-in-law Hazel Baker and various nephews and nieces. Also, her loving friend Norva Caballern.
Preceding her in death were her husband Bob, daughter Rita Blair, grandson David Terk, and granddaughter Ashley Thompson.
Vera taught us so much about love and family. She was a wonderful, beautiful person, mother, and grandma and we were extremely blessed to have her in our lives for so long. We will see her again but until we do, rest easy with our Lord and those that have waited for you.
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