Vera Ann Thompson Rupert, formerly of Fairfax, Virginia, passed on November 20, 2021 at the age of 82 after a long goodbye with dementia.

Vera grew up in Belle, West Virginia, the daughter of Glenmore and Glema Thompson and sister of Lew W. Thompson whom she adored. She was studious and serious, often saying only her brother got a sense of humor and fun! She served in student government and Rainbow Girls throughout high school and went on to study English at West Virginia University.

She met the love of her life, Harter M. Rupert, Jr., at the WVU Wesley Foundation on her first Sunday away from home. In her sophomore year, on January 23, 1959, Vera and Harter were married, and each bridesmaid dressed in one of the 7 colors of the rainbow representing Vera's time in Rainbow Girls. After graduating from WVU, Vera and Harter lived in Morgantown, WV and Richmond, VA before settling in Fairfax in 1968. She was a faithful member of St. George's UMC for over 40 years.

During her career, Vera taught high school English and worked as an advocate for intellectually disabled and physically handicapped children and young adults. She stayed home at times while raising her four beloved children, Jennifer (Mark), Gregory (Anne), Bradford (Mary) and Allison (Kyle). Her children along with their spouses, her 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild were the light of her life.

After being widowed at the young age of 51 and retiring from teaching in Fairfax County Public Schools, Vera actively sought purpose within her community. She prided herself on donating plasma monthly and loved making hearty soups for the shelters. She was a sports fan extraordinaire, cheering on her Washington Redskins, WVU Mountaineers and Washington Nationals.

As one of the first residents of Ashby Ponds, Vera served as a Resident Ambassador, played bridge, coordinated school supply drives each year with other retired teachers, attended and drove Ashby Ponds residents to Galilee UMC, volunteered with Capital Caring Hospice, founded "Mamama's Closet" (a supply closet with children's items for grandparents at Ashby Ponds to borrow) and befriended a recent immigrant to the U.S., coordinating resources to bring his wife and children to the U.S. as well. Vera looked to serve others and was always at her best when she was needed. Throughout life's ups and downs, her children and grandchildren benefited most from her caring ways.

"Grief is the price of love." We are heartbroken, and we will miss you, Mom/Mamama, but we take comfort knowing you are happy, healthy and whole once again.