Vera Kaczmar Ekeland, widow of Robert (Bob) G. Ekeland of Wayne, PA died peacefully on Thursday, October 27, 2022. Vera is survived by her children Gretchen Elizabeth Ekeland of Philadelphia and Jonathan Kaczmar Ekeland (Renee) of Downingtown, along with grandchildren Elizabeth Pendleton and Gabriel Pendleton in addition to a number of nieces and nephews. Vera was born in Philadelphia as the youngest of four children to Michael and Elizabeth Kaczmar, and she very proudly graduated from Girls High.
Vera worked in the personnel department at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard during WW2. She and Bob were married in 1955 at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia where she was a secretary at the time. They returned to Pennsylvania after spending a couple of years in New Jersey to raise their children in Southampton, PA.
Vera held various secretarial positions throughout her life, including Faith Christian School and at Eastern University where she retired after 20 years working in the Athletic and Finance Departments. Vera had a love of music, especially of Andrea Bocelli. She sang in church choirs throughout her life, listening to classical music and especially operas on Saturday afternoons on the radio. She gave both her grandchildren piano lessons, sharing her joy of music with them for several years.
Vera was an avid baseball fan as a teenager and through her entire life. She loved seeing the Athletics play in Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium, often getting autographs and going on Ladies' Day when she could. She learned to keep score and followed the Phillies for decades later.
Vera was involved in churches she attended over her life including the support of missionary families who became friends over the years. She was generous of spirit and care for all that she came into contact with her, calling her Maamie in her later years, the name used by her grandchildren.
Services will be held privately by the immediate family in November. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations may be sent to Eastern University, Office of Advancement, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087 or https://www.eastern.edu/giving (select "Explore Places to Give", then "Other Scholarships", Robert G. Ekeland Scholarship Fund). Condolences may be made online by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.