Celebrating the life of
Veronica Knapp Toraya
January 28, 1920 - May 26, 2010
Veronica Knapp Toraya, beloved wife, adored mother, loving mother-in-law and cherished grandmother passed away peacefully at the "grand" age of 90 on Wednesday May 26th at Hospice Savannah.
Born on January 28, 1920 to Michael and Anna Knapp, Veronica was raised in Stratford Connecticut. Her father died when she was 10 years old. In order to help support her family during the Great Depression she had to leave Stratford High School to work in the American Fabrics factory. She continued her education by going to night school at the Butler Business School where she completed her studies.
Veronica met her husband, Julio Toraya, roller-skating on St. Patrick's Day in 1939. They married on June 7, 1942 and within 30 days her husband was deployed for 3 years to the WWII European Theater. Veronica's contribution to the war effort included working war support jobs at the Remington Arms Munitions Factory in Bridgeport Connecticut and, most notably, at the Dole Pineapple Factory in California.
After the war she unselfishly raised two sons while helping to support the family working as an executive secretary for years at Moore Specialty Tool in Bridgeport Connecticut. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church before she and her husband moved to Savannah in 1991. In Savannah she was a communicant at St. James Catholic Church.
Veronica was an avid reader and always enjoyed discussing politics and current events. Veronica loved sewing, cooking, painting, traveling, knitting, and spending time with family and friends. Always known as a gracious hostess serving her specialty dish of chicken paella, she was always surrounded by an unbroken circle of good friends. Her sparkling humor and sharp wit was perfectly balanced by her loving smile, unlimited patience, kindness and thoughtfulness.
Veronica thoroughly enjoyed celebrating her 90th Birthday at John Wesley Villas. Everyone will dearly miss her.
She is survived by her husband, and their two sons and their wives, Dr. Jules and Sharon Toraya of Savannah and David R. and Lucille Toraya of Savannah; her sister Eleanor Rivard of Milford, CT; her grandchildren Erin Toraya, Capt Jules Toraya, David Thomas Toraya, and Kimberly Altenhofen; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and 2 great grandchildren.
Memorial services in Savannah and Bridgeport are to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family requests that any remembrances be donated in Veronica's name to Hospice Savannah, PO Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Jules, I just learned of your Mother's passing and wanted to express to you and your family, my sincere condolences. I remember her as a very sweet woman and reading all the other entries really shows what a great generous person she was. Hold her in your heart and she will never be far from you. Judy Bello Russo
- Judy Bello Russo, Oxford, CT
To Uncle Jules, Cousins Jules & David and their families I was saddened to hear of the passing of 'Big Honey' my aunt and godmother. She was a classy lady and one to be admired. While she was raising you and taking care of Uncle Jules she also watched over me when my mom died so young and did all this without a complaint. She was so proud of her boys - you are very blessed to have had her so long. I'm sure your wonderful memories of her will carry you through this difficult time. With much love, Diane Weller Bourque
- Diane Weller Bourque, East Windsor, CT
With our deepest sympathy to the Toraya Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Steve has very fond memories of Vera. She had a beautiful life story. God bless her.
- Steve Zrelak and Debbie Syren, Harbor City, CA
Dr. Jules, Sharon and Family: My condolences to you and your family in the passing of your loved one. It sounds like she lived a blessed and happy life. Prayers of comfort go with you.
- Laurita Taylor, Savannah, GA
To: The Toraya Family We send our greatest condolences to your family with big hugs, plenty kisses.and hopoeful prayers. May God Bless your family and mend all hearts together!! From, Toraya Newton&Family
- toraya newton, savannah, GA
To the Toraya Family, So sorrry for your loss. All our love Tom,Patti&Tommy Taylor
- patti taylor, fairfield, CT
Jules Sorry to read of your mother's passing. Sounds ;ike she had a very full and wonderful life.
- Bill Fillingim, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Jules, I just learned of your Mother's passing and wanted to express to you and your family, my sincere condolences. I remember her as a very sweet woman and reading all the other entries really shows what a great generous person she was. Hold her in your heart and she will never be far from you. Judy Bello Russo
- Judy Bello Russo, Oxford, CT
To Uncle Jules, Cousins Jules & David and their families I was saddened to hear of the passing of 'Big Honey' my aunt and godmother. She was a classy lady and one to be admired. While she was raising you and taking care of Uncle Jules she also watched over me when my mom died so young and did all this without a complaint. She was so proud of her boys - you are very blessed to have had her so long. I'm sure your wonderful memories of her will carry you through this difficult time. With much love, Diane Weller Bourque
- Diane Weller Bourque, East Windsor, CT
With our deepest sympathy to the Toraya Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Steve has very fond memories of Vera. She had a beautiful life story. God bless her.
- Steve Zrelak and Debbie Syren, Harbor City, CA
Dr. Jules, Sharon and Family: My condolences to you and your family in the passing of your loved one. It sounds like she lived a blessed and happy life. Prayers of comfort go with you.
- Laurita Taylor, Savannah, GA
To: The Toraya Family We send our greatest condolences to your family with big hugs, plenty kisses.and hopoeful prayers. May God Bless your family and mend all hearts together!! From, Toraya Newton&Family
- toraya newton, savannah, GA
To the Toraya Family, So sorrry for your loss. All our love Tom,Patti&Tommy Taylor
- patti taylor, fairfield, CT
Jules Sorry to read of your mother's passing. Sounds ;ike she had a very full and wonderful life.
- Bill Fillingim, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
