Sister Verona Harmer, formerly Rita Harmer, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for the past 65 years, died on September 24, 2018 in St. Martin de Porres Community. Sister was 89 years of age.

Sr. Verona was born to William and Bertha Wiedecker Harmer on February 21, 1929 in Bayonne, New Jersey. She entered the sisters of St. Dominic on September 10, 1953 from St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Linden, NJ. Sr. Verona received the Dominican habit on July 5, 1954, professed first vows on July 5, 1955, and final vows on September 8, 1959.

Sister holds an AAS from Dominican College, Orangeburg, NY and was certified in Child Care Counseling by the State of New York.

Sister’s many years of active ministry were in child care at St. Dominic’s Home, Blauvelt, NY:
Assistant Group Mother, 1955-63; Cottage Mother 1963-68; St. Anne’s Villa, 1968-70; Supervisor of Group Living 1970-71; Teacher Aide, St Dominic’s School, 1972-75. In 1975 sister left St. Dominic’s Home and worked at the convent in various positions: Convent switchboard and household duties 1975-78; director of Household Management 1978-79; Diet Kitchen 1979-84; Sister’s Infirmary, special services 1984-1993; Convent Sacristan, 1993-2005; Craft Room 2005-07; Community Supportive services, 2007-10. In 2010 Sr. Verona became a resident of St. Martin de Porres Community where she engaged in prayer ministry until the time of her death.

In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Verona is survived by several cousins.

Relatives and friends can attend services at:

St. Dominic’s Convent 496 western Highway, Blauvelt New York

WAKE and MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday September 26, 2018

WAKE: 9:30 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m.

BURIAL: Immediately following in St. Dominic’s Convent Cemetery.

Arrangements have been made by Hannemann Funeral Home, Nyack, New York

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the sisters of St. Dominic, Blauvelt, New York.