Worcester - Vera A. Head, 99, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2023 at Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown.

She was born January 16, 1924 in Manhattan, the daughter of Joseph and Jennie (Yuvan) Pirc.  In her younger years, while living in New York City she worked as a milliner.  She spent summers and weekends in the country where she met Gordon (Cy) Head.  Cy swept Vera off her feet. One of their most memorable dates was when he flew her to Watkins Glen for breakfast in his own plane.  They married on June 10, 1950 in Ridgewood, NY.

Family always came first.  With four young boys they created beautiful memories at their family camp, which remains a sentimental gathering place for all their following generations.

Vera held close her Slovenian traditions from making potica to handing down the language of her ancestors.  To her grandchildren she was most famous for her baking, cooking and wine making.  Any of them would proudly share how to make her chocolate potica or elderberry wine.

Vera worked at the Worcester Central School cafeteria  from 1969 to 1991 where she was most famous for her apple crisp.  She was a member of the Worcester Quilting Club and St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic minister. Vera enjoyed gardening, knitting, embroidering, sewing and traveling.  Even into her 80s she loved visiting Hawaii, Alaska and Slovenia.

She is survived by her sons and their wives, Thomas and Karen Head, Richard and Valerie Head, Edward and Aileen Head, Robert and Connie Head; grandchildren, Kelly (Ezra) Schoenfelder, Thomas (Jessica) Head, Jr., Douglas Head, Bethany (Tim) Warren, Hilari (Will) Dykstra, Stacey (Edward) Serdy, Mark (Allyson) Head, Kevin (Colleen) Head, Emily (Jake) Taylor and Bryan (Traci) Head; 21 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and 2 nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Stanley Pierce.

Her loving husband left her side too soon, passing on October 8, 1987.

We would like to thank her wonderful caregivers; Cindy, Traci, and Darlene who provided care during Vera's last months at home, as well as the staff at Cooperstown Center. We would also like to acknowledge the caregivers at Bassett Medical Center Emergency Department and Special Care Unit who provided compassion, and most importantly comfort to Vera and her family at a difficult time.

Calling hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 28 at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester. The funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 201 Main St., Worcester. Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 201 Main St., Worcester, NY or the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197.