Vera M. Morford

Vera Marie Morford, 97 years old, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Mary Health of the Sick in Thousand Oaks, CA. She was born December 12, 1920, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Josiah Clair Neal and Veda Creola McCracken.

Vera graduated from Punxsutawney High School in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania with the class of 1937.  In 1941 she graduated from Penn State University, with a major in physical education and a minor in English.   Following her graduation, she became a high school teacher.   

On July 20, 1942 she married  Harry Crider Morford. When Harry volunteered for active duty in World War II, Vera also volunteered.  Vera was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Women’s Army Corps and served as a physical therapist at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC, while her husband served as a naval officer in the Pacific.

After the War, Vera and Harry moved back to Pennsylvania.  Harry, who held a degree in Industrial Engineering, resumed his management career with the American Bridge Division of US Steel.   During the subsequent years, they raised 9 children in Beaver and Allegheny Counties.

In 1964, American Bridge transferred Harry, Vera and their family first to Trenton, New Jersey for one year and then to California.  Harry was a plant general manager and Vera resumed her career as a physical therapist.  She and Harry both worked very hard to provide a good life for all nine of their children and encouraged each one to complete their college degrees.

Vera was predeceased by her husband, Harry and son, Shawn (Sachiko) Morford of Palo Alto, CA.  She is survived by her children; Steve (Cathy) Morford of Riverside, CA, Terry (Janis) Morford of Livermore, CA, and, Kevin (Kim) Morford of Modesto, CA, Kim (Susan) Morford of Carmichael, CA, Daryl (Gail) Morford of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Brad (Nicole) Morford of Queensland, Australia, Lance (Kathy) of Brentwood, CA, Janine (Doug) Jones of Thousand Oaks, CA. She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Vera will be buried next to her husband, Harry, at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Santa Nella, CA.  They will be reunited and at peace.  The memorial service at the national cemetery will be held on April 6, 2018, at 10:30 AM.