Veronica Van Hess passed away July 1, 2017, at her home in Burlington, Wash.

Veronica was born in the town of Patchogue on Long Island to Eleanor Romanski (née Kluck) and Walter Joseph Romanski.

She attended Catholic grade school from kindergarten to grade 8, and then Patchogue High School, graduating in 1941. A Benny Goodman fan, Veronica played clarinet in the school band.

After high school, her parents sold their car dealership and moved the family to the Bitterroot Valley, in Montana.

There they bought land high on a hillside, with no electricity and built a ranch. The locals thought they were ridiculous: a New Yorker and his 3 daughters starting a ranch with no experience. But “Dziadzia” (as the grandchildren called him) made a success of it, and the sisters thought it was a great adventure.

In addition to working on the ranch, Veronica started a course in secretarial studies. When the United States entered World War II, Veronica joined the Marines. Stationed in San Diego, she worked as an airplane mechanic.

After the war she went to the University of Montana where studied math and languages.

While at university she met and married Vernon Van Hess on June 13, 1948.

In 1960, Veronica and Vernon moved to Aberdeen. There, Veronica worked at the Aberdeen Public Library, and Vernon taught biology at Weatherwax High School. They both sang in the church choir and later in the community choir.

Veronica and Vernon loved being at their country property on the East Satsop River in Grays Harbor County. They spent their free time gardening, raising chickens, cows, and dogs, and doing volunteer work, such as prepping immigrants for the citizenship exam and teaching English. Veronica was an extraordinary gardener.

During her final years, Veronica moved to Burlington, Wash. to be closer to her daughters. Veronica was predeceased by her husband Vernon, her sisters, Gloria and Eloise, and sons Peter and Jan. She is survived by daughters Gina Van Hess (Don White), Shelly Swenson (Leith) and son Mark Van Hess.

She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Joshua, Eli, Nathanial, Hans, Phillip, Andrea, Kyle, and several great-grandchildren.

There will be a Memorial Mass on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4001 St. Mary Drive in Anacortes, WA.