Obituary of Vera D. Rittenhouse

Vera D. Rittenhouse, 104, of Hebron passed away peacefully at Middlesex Hospital on Wednesday March 19^th, after a brief illness. She was born in Toronto, Ontario Canada in late 1920 to Berend and Edith Barton. The family immigrated to the USA soon after, living in Florida and New York during Vera’s early years. In spite of the lack of heat or indoor plumbing, the favorite home of her youth was in Barrytown NY. She has happy memories of attending a one-room schoolhouse there as a nine year-old.

The family spent the 1930s in Brooklyn, struggling through the Great Depression. Vera attended an all-girls high school, and was smart enough to earn a scholarship to any of the state colleges, but instead went to work to help support her family. That first job was in the Empire State Building, where she earned a whopping $15 per week, half of which went to her parents. She soon got to know a handsome young man, Bill Rittenhouse, who eventually asked her out, and then proposed to her on their 2^nd date. Bill and Vera began their long and happy marriage in 1940, moving to California for Bill’s work shortly after their wedding. They eventually settled in Pasadena where they raised their family. Another job transfer in 1963 led them back to the east, where they lived in Greenwich, Stamford and eventually Glastonbury, CT. Shortly after their move to Glastonbury, Vera & Bill joined the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, which gave them a spiritual home as well as a source of community and friendship in their later years.

Vera was a wonderful homemaker and mother, who loved to entertain and socialize with her many friends, especially while playing bridge. She was an avid reader, easily achieving the equivalent of a college degree through self-learning. She loved “Jeopardy!” and in her prime would likely have been a formidable competitor on that show. She also had an artistic side, and in her later years made dozens of miniature creations including spectacularly detailed doll-houses and room boxes. Her collection was interesting enough to be featured on the “Kain’s World” segment of WFSB Channel 3 news.

After Bill’s death in 1999, Vera continued to live independently until age 97, when she moved into Colebrook Village at Hebron, where she resided for the past six-plus years. Vera is survived by her four children, William (Bill Jr) and wife Sue of Walnut Creek CA, Roger and wife Shelley of Pleasanton, CA, Susan and husband Tom Sokoloski of Portland, CT, and David of Franklin, MA. One of her favorite sayings to her children was “come sit on my lap before you’re too big,” which continued even after her sons were six-foot tall adults. Vera also adored and was so proud of her 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Betty Chol, her loving husband William, and a daughter-in-law, Susan Mitchell Rittenhouse.

Vera’s family would like to thank her many wonderful caregivers at Colebrook Village, as well as the compassionate nurses and staff at Middlesex Hospital.

Calling hours will be held on Friday March 28, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury. A memorial service honoring her long life will be held at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, 949 Main St. on Saturday March 29^th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations could be made to the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury or a charity of your choice.