Vera Jean Hover

Vera Jean Hover, 95, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin.

Born on October 12, 1923, in Sanford, NY, Vera Jean was the daughter of George A. and Martha (Ellis) Smith. She graduated from Afton Central Schools, then went on to pursue a nursing degree. In 1947, she graduated from the Hartwick School of Nursing, and was registered to practice nursing on October 23rd of that year. Prior to nursing school, on July 6, 1944, in Oneonta, Vera Jean married the love of her life, Dr. Joseph W. Hover, who died on January, 27, 2010, after their 65 years of marriage. With her husband, Vera Jean would relocate to Iowa where Joseph pursued his degree in chiropractic care. While in Iowa, Vera Jean worked as a private care nurse for area residents. After Joseph completed school, they returned to the Chenango County area. While Joseph tended to his successful practice in Norwich, Vera Jean chose to manage their home while raising their three daughters. Vera Jean was a member of the Lincklean Center Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and later attended the Norwich Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She very much enjoyed participating in bowling leagues with her husband, and liked to crochet and sew. Vera Jean and her husband would also regularly spend winters in DeLand, FL during their retirement.

Vera Jean is survived by her cherished daughters Kathy Crager, of Lebanon, PA, Pat (Jerry) Collier, of Norwich, NY, and Cindy (Gary) Roach, of Binghamton; grandchildren Kim (Ted) Briggs, of PA, Dr. Michael (Gina) Barvinchack, of Hagerstown, MD, Christopher Collier (Nicole Wellman), of Norwich, Nicholas Collier, of Norwich, Brian Roach, of Boston, MA, and Amanda (Kevin) Dowd, of Norwich; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Vera was predeceased by her grandson, Brett Barvinchack, her son-in-law, Edward Crager, and each of her siblings.

A funeral service for Vera Jean will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 10, 2019, at the Wilson Funeral Home, where the Rev. Russell Huggins, pastor, Norwich Seventh Day Adventist Church, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 11, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Bainbridge, NY. Contributions in Vera Jean’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit: www.wilsonfh.com.