Those we love do not go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear. The family of Vera Thayer cordially invites you to join in celebrating her life on Saturday, May 20, 2017, 11:00 am, at Main Street Baptist Church in Oneonta, NY. A reception will be held following the service.

Vera (95) was a cherished wife, mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She treasured being a mom to Terry, Rick and Susie and was very much loved in return. She loved each one in her extended family. Her generosity spilled over to so many people. She helped look after a number of elderly ladies over the years and would reach out to anyone in need whether she knew them or not. She was a living witness to God's mercy and love. Most of all, she loved the Lord. In thankfulness to Him, she generously offered her blessings and compassion to everyone she knew. In her death, as in her life, she would want to encourage you to turn your heart to the Lord and trust in Him.

Ever cheerful, Vera freely shared her warmth and talents, and made a difference wherever she was involved: First Baptist Church in Oneonta; Laral Management Co.; Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts; DeMulder Realty; Better Homes & Gardens Realty; the Upstate Home for Children which is now Springbrook; Huntington Library; Oneonta Zoning Board; Otsego/Delaware Office for the Aging; St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in New Berlin, NY; and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Delmar, NY. Vera spent happy times at Lettis Auction, Bresee's, Brooks BBQ, Pizza Land and Pie-in-the-Sky. She enjoyed collecting antique dolls and music boxes; loved children, music, flowers, reading and Christmas; and took great pleasure in shopping and finding gifts for family and friends. In recent years, watching the birds out her window, NCIS, The Andy Griffith Show, HGTV and the Food Network would all bring a smile to her face. Her greatest joy was talking with and hearing about her family and friends, and she spent hours praying for them every day. Always ready with a smile and a hug, she brightened the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

Vera is lovingly survived by her brother, George and his wife, Doris; daughter-in-law, Cindy Thayer; grandson, Frank Allen (Jeanmarie) Thayer and their children, Erik, Benjamin, Julia, Joseph and Thomas; her son, Richard Allen and his wife, Kathy Thayer; granddaughter, Julia Louise (Erik) Peterson and their children, Evan, Kate and Jack; grandson, John Allen (Jolene) Thayer and their daughter,r Clementine; her daughter, Susan Jane and her husband, Rev. David Dietsche; grandson, Tad/Thomas Allen Dietsche; granddaughter, Meg Elizabeth Dietsche; many loved nieces and nephews; and numerous faithful and caring friends. We miss her dearly, but are so very thankful for the precious gift that she was to our lives. We will hold her close in our hearts forever.

Vera was predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend Allen E. Thayer; her dear son, Terry E. Thayer; her sisters Viola Vrooman, Dorothy Bryant and Carolyn Sausser; and four cousins who were like siblings to her. They are together now and rejoicing in God's loving presence.

The family offers warm thanks to the kind members of Main Street Baptist Church, Mike Reinfurt of Parker Brothers Memorial Funeral Home of Watervliet; Father John Tallman; Kathleen Pietrobono from Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home of Oneonta; and to all who prayed for and loved Mom.

Those who wish, may send memorial contributions to Holt International Children's Services, P.O. Box 2880, Eugene, OR 97402, Camp Pinnacle, 621 Pinnacle Rd., Voorheesville, NY 12186 or the Oneonta Plains Cemetery, 162 County Highway 58, Oneonta, NY 13820. Thank you.

Online condolences may be sent to the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home's webiste, www.lhpfuneralhome.com