Obituary of Vera Hanthorne

Vera Hanthorne, age 75, of Bridgeport, PA passed peacefully from this Earth into Heaven on April 3, 2021, surrounded by loving family at the home of her beloved niece in Schwenksville, PA. 

She was born in Norristown, PA on April 24, 1945, the daughter of the late Salvatore "Sullivan" and Rose (Guarisco) Volpe, graduated from Norristown High School, and completed several years at Villanova where she studied Nursing.  For 16 years she was the Investment Department Receptionist at Pilgrim Baxter in Wayne, welcoming all of the “IPO Road Show” visitors, the first to welcome many famous names from companies and brands worldwide.  She had an innate sense of class and elegance, mixed in with a great sense of humor and a feisty Italian temper.

Vera was a profound animal lover.  Over time, she rescued a total of 22 feral cats, and volunteered at MLAR where she adopted three dogs who needed a loving home. She enjoyed taking her dogs on walks through local parks, and could usually be seen driving around with all five of them in her car. She was devoted to feeding the birds in her backyard, a stray cat, and the local groundhog; any creature could find a refuge and a good meal, making sure all were fed even when she could not be there.   

She was a human caregiver as well; always delivering food, cake, and flowers to anyone who was sick, elderly, in-need, or bereaved, and, for many years, was a devoted caretaker to her mother when she became ill.  She volunteered at Bryn Mawr Rehab providing Pet Therapy to the patients there.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her niece and nephews.  Vera loved to travel, and went to places as far away as India, the Seychelles, the Galapagos Islands, and Bermuda, accompanied whenever possible by her niece Tammie with whom she shared a special bond.  An avid reader and news watcher, she followed the stock market, knew every flower and plant, loved her Italian Food, the Strafford Farmers Market, and the Limerick Diner.  She was a lavish gift giver, never forgetting a birthday.  She was a brave fighter amongst her lifelong health issues and found comfort and strength in her solid trust in God and prayer, and loved being in a Church whenever possible.  If she said she’d pray for you, she meant it.

Along with her parents, Vera was preceded in death by her brother, Samuel Volpe; and infant niece, Christine Volpe.   

She is survived by her sister, Anna Marie (Michael) Hripto; niece, Tammie (Jay) delaBarre; three nephews, Matthew Hripto, Mark Volpe, and David Volpe; great nephew, Shane Krause; great niece, Grace Volpe; and her remaining dog, Bryant; and devoted best friend, Hilary Zee.  

Vera's Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00 AM in St. Teresa of Calcutta RC Church, 256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473.  Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing on Friday morning from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the Church.  

Interment will take place in St. Patrick Cemetery, East Norriton, PA.   

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Main Line Health Hospice for their extraordinary care of Vera. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to:  St Jude Children’s Hospital -Or- Metropolitan Veterinary Associates, Norristown, PA  “Paws of Promise” (on Metro-vet.com, Select “About”, then “Paws of Promise”).

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 W. Main St., Trappe, PA 19426     (610) 489-7900     www.msrfh.com