Vera Bak

Vera Bak, 92, died in the arms of her beloved daughter on Sunday, April 27, 2025. She was born in Poland, to John and Mary Grabinski. Vera married a handsome and kind man, Stanley Bak, in 1950. Nine years later she gave birth to the love of her life, her heartbeat, Donna. Later they welcomed Jeffrey Rose, Donna’s husband, as a son of their own. Vera was a Holocaust survivor and a cancer survivor. 

Vera had a burning desire to know why a God of love allows innocent people to suffer. She was consoled to learn that God is not responsible. (Job 34: 10-12)  She dedicated her life to her loving God, Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in March of 1967. She spent the rest of her life helping people find Bible answers to life’s most difficult questions. She loved sharing the Bible’s promise of a life under God’s kingdom where sickness, death, and suffering will be no more. (Revelation 21:3-5, 1 Corinthians 15:58)

Vera was the most loving person. She would share her last bite of food with someone. She would help anyone who was in need. She was a selfless wife, mother, sister and friend. Her family was her whole world. Vera never put herself first. If her family was happy and taken care of, she was happy.  Vera always felt her lack of a formal education due to circumstances was a hindrance, but her life skills, common sense and coming to know and using Bible principles made her the wisest person ever known.

Predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Stanley; and her son, Jeffrey whom she loved with all her heart.  Survived by the love of her life, her daughter, Donna; grandson, Aaron; sister, Jean; brother, George; many nephews and a niece.

Heartfelt gratitude to those who assisted the family in any way possible. Special brothers, Michael Anderson, Brian Willis, Maya Anderson, Jeanne and Joe Woodman, Pam and Peter Arthurs, Nancy Lindquist, Bethany Sarkissian and Stella Dinai.

Eternally grateful to her primary caregivers who were so loving and kind to her. Ruby Pelayo, whom she loved dearly and became like a granddaughter to her. Also, Melissa Lang and Ashley Smith. Those who also lovingly assisted, Pam, Tanya, Rita, Aimee, Kim, and Mario.

Heartfelt gratitude to her medical team, Dr. Keene (a kind, wonderful Doctor and human being), Dr. Sridhar, Personic Wound Care, Healthcare Plus and OSF Home Health. Her nurses, Pat. B and Rosalind T., who became like family and treated her with so much love and respect.

A private memorial will be held at a later date for Vera.

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