Vera Alden

Madison - Vera E. Alden, age 96, passed from this life into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on November 5th after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer and injuries due to a recent fall.

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Hillsboro, she was one of eight children born to Robert and Matilda (Kahler) Bohn. She was preceded in death by George, her husband of 57 years, with whom she shared a wonderful, close, life. In keeping with the pattern of their deep connection to one another, Vera passed away on the exact same date that George died --November 5th. She is survived by her daughter, Sharyn Alden, son, Wayne G. Alden (Sharon), and grandchildren, Siri (Daniel Krech) of Washington D.C., Nissa, of Chicago, Sim (Katie Fitzmier) of Madison, Jonathan (Ashley), Warrenton, of Missouri, and sisters, Beatrice Warren of Grafton, and Dorothy Mahnke of West Chicago, plus numerous nephews and nieces.

Courageously independent, she was always curious about the world around her and continually loved learning about Madison, her adopted hometown of 74 years. She was a voracious reader of books and newspapers and kept up on news, politics, and sports, especially her beloved Packers. But more than anything else, she loved having her family and friends come for a visit. In later years she greatly appreciated the gratitude of friends and family members who took her to various appointments and checked in on her regularly. Vera was a woman of deep faith who had been a member of Midvale Community Lutheran Church almost since the church's founding. She was a Faith Circle member, an active member of Metropolitan Women's Club, and numerous golf leagues, and bridge groups.

She kept her mind sharp and her sense of humor honed by always saying 'yes' to a game of Scrabble or sharing a funny story. Those who knew her may remember her best for turning out some of the most memorable meals any serious cook would ever want to conquer.

What a wonderful blessing she was to all who knew her --she will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held at MIDVALE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Boulevard., Madison, on Thursday, November 10, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Katherine Baardseth officiating. A visitation will be held at church on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Memorials may be made in Vera's name to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 and Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Boulevard, Madison, WI 53711.