Vera J. Abercrombie, mother of lawmaker

Advertiser Staff

Vera June Abercrombie, mother of U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, died Dec. 4 in Florida. She was 96.

Vera Abercrombie was born June 27, 1908, in Buffalo, N.Y.

After retiring as a kindergarten teacher, she moved to Palm Springs, Calif., in the early 1960s with her husband, Don, who died in 1979.

She lived for many years at the Lagoon Apartments on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel. She spent her final years with her other son, Hal, and daughter-in-law Shirley in Wellington, Fla.

She accompanied her son Neil to many political gatherings and was known for giving "Vera's cookies" to the staff at the Hilton, political supporters and neighbors. She also hand-painted towels and comfort pillows for children.

Survivors include her sons; a grandson, Timothy; and two great-grandchildren, Alexander and Malcolm.

After cremation in Florida, her ashes will join those of her husband in the mountains near Palm Springs.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the waters adjacent to the Hilton Lagoon.