Vera Mae Harris

Vera Mae Bendele Harris, of San Antonio, passed away on December 15, 2022 at the age of 83. Vera was born at home in Biry, Texas in Medina County on November 14, 1939 to Elvira Biediger Bendele and Raymond Andres Bendele.

Vera is survived by her children, Camille DaRocha (Eddie) of San Jose, California, Cynthia Harris (Carolyn) of Dallas, Texas, Catherine Kaster of San Antonio, Texas, John F. Harris III (Kelly) of Palm Harbor, Florida, and Christina Bicksler (Matt) of North Andover, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Maxwell Harris, Griffin Harris, Benjamin Kaster, Wyatt Harris, Jack Bicksler, Aubrey Harris, Margaret Kaster and Tucker Bicksler; sister, Beatrice Peterson of San Antonio and brother Raymond Bendele, Jr (Alison) of Crawford, Colorado. She is preceded in death by her husband, John F. Harris Jr, her parents, Raymond and Elvira Bendele, and sister, Mary Friedrichs.

Vera graduated from Devine High School in 1957 and continued her education in cosmetology school, working as a stylist in a salon that she co-owned. Later in life, she obtained her nursing assistant license.

On November 5, 1961, she married John Franklin Harris, Jr. in Devine, Texas. Together they had five children. During his military career, they were stationed in multiple places in the United States and twice in Germany. Vera loved traveling, often accompanying her children and grandchildren on vacation.

Vera was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was known for her humor and fun-loving spirit, never missing a moment for a good pun, joke, or limerick. She never forgot the birthdays of the many members of her extended family and always signed her cards with her signature green ink.

Vera was an artist who worked in many mediums. From oil painting to sewing and crocheting, her talents were many. She sewed cheerleading uniforms, prom dresses, and Christmas stockings for all 8 of her grandchildren. She crocheted dozens of baby afghans for her grandchildren and many great nieces and nephews. Gardening was another way Vera put her artistic talents to use. Her yard was always beautiful and much admired in her neighborhood. Vera was also an artist in the kitchen. She was an outstanding cook and talented baker. Her homemade donuts, roast, and fried chicken delighted many.

Vera was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes, Texas. She was a member of the Altar Society and Sewing Circle. She participated in multiple Bible studies and loved attending Mass.

Visitation and Rosary are 6:00-9:00 pm on Monday, December 26 at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, Texas.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am Tuesday, December 27 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 13715 Riggs Road, Helotes, Texas.

Committal Service is at 10:30 am, Wednesday, December 28 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas.