Vera Russo Reynolds
Beloved Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Educator, and Mentor
Vera personified love in all that she did. With a luminescent essence, people were drawn to her … and she indiscriminately welcomed everyone. Magnanimous, gregarious, warm, animated and happy with a beautiful smile. Truly a joy to everyone who knew her! Vera lived life with exuberance and always with a kind and compassionate heart, putting others first.
As a dedicated educator, Vera taught in the Pohatcong Township School District in Phillipsburg, NJ for over 40 years. Positively impacting many lives, as one former student said, “If you were lucky enough to have Mrs. Reynolds as a teacher, she was your all-time favorite teacher”. Vera, in turn, had an affinity for her students. At the end of every school year, Vera would share her tears with me much the same as when a child leaves the nest; she was the consummate mentor. And Vera was also extremely well liked, admired by her colleagues and valued by her administrators. One administrator expressed that Vera did everything she could to bring a student to his or her full potential. Anecdotally, her zealousness for the teaching profession was clear. Frequently on Mondays Vera exclaimed, “TGIM”, while others would say on Fridays, “TGIF”!
Her greatest joy was her love of family. She and her husband, Craig, enjoyed 37 years of marriage. They grew up only a block away from each other. Having one child, Valerie Wasser (also and educator), was her brightest star. Vera cherished her time spent with Valerie, her husband, Ryan, and her grandchildren Kole, Tyler, and Crew.
As one of six children to Rosalie and John Russo, the family closeness growing up and all through the years is indescribable. Dubbed “The Six Siblings”, Vera always looked forward to all the family gatherings, especially, the family yearly vacations at Wildwood Crest, NJ. “Oh Those Wildwood Days”.
MaryAnn Russo Marfia (Sister)