Vera Wolnik Age 97 Formerly of Chelmsford

Vera (Archinski) Wolnik of N. Andover, MA formerly of Chelmsford, MA passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 23, 2024 at the age 97 after a long happy and healthy life.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Stanley, with whom she celebrated over 73 years of marriage.

She was born in the greatest generation on Nov. 23, 1926 in Lowell, MA to Russian immigrants Luke and Mary (Britko) Archinski.  Vera was a 1944 graduate of Lowell High School, graduating with high honors as a Carney Medal Scholar.  She also attended Lowell Commercial College.

Vera resided in Chelmsford for over 67 years in the home built for her and her husband Stanley and was a 50+ year member of St. Mary Church.  She was a devoted wife and mother, outstanding cook, and a homemaker who made her home a place of joy and comfort for her family and guests.  She cherished family gatherings, vacations with her children, and many winters spent in Florida with Stanley.

Vera was employed for 15 years as secretary in the Whittier House at Chelmsford High School, where she was loved and respected by students and faculty for her hard work and joyful personality.  Prior employment included a Lowell law firm, Sonotone Corp in Boston, and Prudential Life Insurance company.

Vera was kind, grateful, quick witted, considerate, and caring to all.  Her optimism, happiness, grace, love and support, and determination were a huge inspiration to her children and she will be dearly missed.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed watching classic movies and playing bridge.  She was a season ticket holder to the North Shore Music Theater for many years and attended many musical performances in Boston.

Vera loved to sew, making beautiful quilts and draperies and doll clothes.  She also knitted and crocheted blankets.  She enjoyed tending to her roses and gardening.  Vera loved to sing happy tunes, creating her own lyrics along the way.  She cherished her family time and playing board games and card games, celebrating each win in Dominoes and Kings in the Corner energetically.

Vera is survived by three children, Stephen J. Wolnik of Worcester, MA, Valerie A. Gardner of Chelmsford, MA, and Michael J. and his wife, Lisa (Annaldo) Wolnik of North Andover, MA, a brother-in-law, Raymond Wolnik of Davenport, FL, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her children, Andrea and Richard Wolnik, and her siblings, Helen, William and Anthony.

The family wishes to thank Merrimack Valley Hospice for their care.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Vera’s visitation will be Fri. Sept. 27, 2024 from 11:30am to 12:30pm at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, MA 01863 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 pm at St. Mary Church, 25 North Rd., Chelmsford, MA.  Burial to take place at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford.  Memorials may be made in her memory to the Richard J. Wolnik Foundation for ALS Research Trust, c/o the Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., Chelmsford, MA 01863.  ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com