Vera M. Talmadge, 91 is happy once again, being reunited with the love of her life, Wally, when she passed from this world surrounded by her loved ones and entered the house of our Lord on June 5 2025. Vera was born on September 2, 1933, in Matamoras to Ivan and Almeda Quick, who predeceased her. She married Walter C. Talmadge of Port Jervis, NY on October 16, 1954, and they shared 61 ½ years of marriage, before his passing. She raised her family in the United Methodist Church of Matamoras. Vera was employed over her life as a bank-teller in Middletown, NY having to ride the train daily from Port Jervis and back again. She then worked in Payroll for Kolmar Laboratories for many years before retiring from there to stay at home with her 3rd child, John, and babysit many other children over the years becoming “Grandma Vera” to all of those whose care she was entrusted with. She became “Grandma” to the Braunagel children when the youngest was only 3 days old and watched them grow into amazing adults that she was forever proud of. After returning to work at Kolmar a 2nd time, working on the assembly lines, she retired from there for good and went to work at Children’s Safe Stay, to do what she loved to do… Watch babies all day! Each of those children also became like family and called her either Miss Vera or Grandma Vera. Babies and children were her passion, and she was good at making them smile, calming fussy ones and getting them to sleep by rocking them! She was a Den Mother for many years for her sons Cub Scout Pack and in charge of cookie order distribution for her daughters Brownie and Girl Scout Troops, a major undertaking and one that consumed most of the floor space of their living room during that time! She enjoyed watching her youngest play Pop Warner football and Little League. She enjoyed bowling in her Thursday night league for many years as well, where she and her daughter, who bowled on her team, enjoyed many happy times together. She was a life member of the Tri-States Naval Ship Auxiliary holding the office of treasurer for many years. Her sisters, all past presidents of the organization, tried to talk her into running for that office, but she knew that the time commitment would be too much and would take time away from her family and friends. She was always doing for others every chance that she got. She loved nothing more than spending time with everyone that she loved and admired. She and her daughter’s mother-in-law, Annette, were the best of friends. Sitting on the front porch on Delaware Drive (weather permitting) watching the Delaware River flow by was a favorite activity of theirs… along with cleaning the gutters… but that’s a story for another time!

Vera was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She would do anything for anyone and leaves a legacy of love, generosity, and friendship. She leaves here on earth to treasure her and the memories they hold in their hearts, her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Robert (Cody) Codichini, (New Market, MD), her sons, John Talmadge (Matamoras) and Wally Talmadge Jr. (Florida). Special grandsons, Walter and Jeremy Talmadge, and Jordan Coxson and family. Granddaughters, Kyla Coxson, and Alexis Story and family. Step grandsons, Michael Codichini (Jessie) and Rob Codichini. 8 great grandsons and granddaughters, including special great-granddaughter, Harper Talmadge, who she enjoyed many special times with as well as many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Rachel Talmadge. Her special friend, Jean Brock, who was like a sister to her. She also loved as her own, a very special family who became a part of life and called her Grandma; MaryJo and Mike Murray, Megan Braunagel, Taylor Chilcoat (Rob), Carl Braunagel and Miranda Murray. They will always forever treasure the memories she made with them. As Miranda likes to remember, “Christmas wasn’t over

until it was time for Grandma’s Christmas visit”. She is also leaving the wonderful staff of St. Joseph’s Place who were entrusted with her care for the last 2 years and did a wonderful job of making her feel special and loved. The family is forever thankful for the amazing staff that became their friends! All of the nurses and aides who took gentle care of her, special thanks to Stacie, Jessica, and Deanie for their extra attention and love to make mom feel special; as well as a big thank-you to the longtime residents of St. Joe’s, who always made mom, and the rest of us, feel welcome and like part of a big family. You will all forever hold special places in our hearts! Although she had some health challenges later in life, she never lost her spit fire spirit. We will forever miss this feisty, strong-willed lady!

Vera was the last of her immediate family being predeceased by not only her husband and parents but also by all of her siblings; sisters Florence Wilson (Bill), Eva Marie Caruana (Joseph), Berniece Decker (Oliver) and brother Ernest Quick (Doris), as well as many cousins, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by all her in-laws as well, mother and father-in-law Harriet and Howard Talmadge, and brother and sisters-in-law; Dick and Geraldine, Howard and Carmella, Eddie, and Mike Talmadge, and Ann Hughson.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date. A notice will appear in the paper at that time.

Remember her with joy as a life well lived! Mom always loved animals and children. So, in lieu of flowers, If you would like to celebrate her life, please consider a memorial donation to the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark at www.pjhumane.org, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. or an animal rescue organization of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home of Barryville NY, 3412 SR 97, Barryville, NY 12719.  845 557-8010.