Touro, Vera Mae

Vera Mae Touro, 95, of Cedar Rapids, died Aug. 24, 2009, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. The Rev. William Warhover of Echo Hill Presbyterian Church will officiate. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Survivors include two daughters, Darlene Schrimper of Cedar Rapids and Doris (Joe) Masterson of Brown Deer, Wis.; and two sons, Don (Becky) Touro of Goodlettsville, Tenn., and Kenneth (Linda) Touro of Marion. She is survived by a brother, Leonard Stewart; a sister, Eleanor (Dave) Kelley of Springville; and a sister, Frances French of Marion. She is also survived by grandchildren, Susan Milbach, Nancy Rood, Michelle Ramirez, Jeff Owen, Julie Canny, Jodie Elson, Brian Touro, Tim Touro, and Scott Touro; 12 great-grandchildren, six stepgreat-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Reginald Touro; her parents; brother, Loren Stewart; son-in-law, John Schrimper; grandson, Michael Schrimper; and twin great-grandsons, Brady and Aaron Touro.

Vera was born June 17, 1914, the daughter of Merle and Edna (Martin) Stewart in their farm home in Linn County near Martelle, Iowa. She went to Norwood country school through eighth grade and graduated from Martelle High School in 1931. The family attended Linn Grove Presbyterian Church. She was married to Reginald Touro on Oct. 1, 1933, at her parent's home east of Marion. They lived their entire married life in Cedar Rapids. They were members of Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church, where they were charter members of the Mariners Club. Vera served as a deacon, and was a member of the church's Kitchen Dialogue.

She worked at A&P Super Market, Peoples, and Nelson Food Store. After raising her family she was employed in the fabric department of Younkers for 18 years. Vera was accomplished at sewing and crocheting. She loved to cook and bake, tend her vegetable and flower gardens, and spend time with family and friends.

She was a loving, giving person who will be long remembered by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, St. Luke's Hospice, or Hospice of Mercy.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff of St. Luke's Hospice, and the staff of Hospice of Mercy for their kindness and loving care.

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