EAST GLOUCESTER: Veronica J. “Vicki” (Vadala) Naves, 92, died Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at the Beverly Hospital. She was the wife of the late Eugene M. Naves, who was lost at sea aboard the F/V Austin W in December of 1962.
Born in Gloucester on July 9, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Matteo and Josephine (Laimo) Vadala. A woman of strength, quiet courage, and faith, she raised five sons while working several office jobs following the loss of her husband.
A graduate of Gloucester High School, class of 1938, Vicki enjoyed serving on the class reunion committee and was known for corresponding with her classmates in many states.
She was a member of the Ucita Council 46, Degree of Pocahontas for many years. She earned her honors as Great Pocahontas of Massachusetts in 1994. Vicki was attracted to this organization because of its ideals of freedom, friendship, and charity. She treasured all of her friends among the “Pokies.” Vicki was a daily communicant of the former St. Peter’s Church, where she was a member of the Women’s Sodality. She was also a member of the Mother of Grace Club. More recently she was a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church.
Like all grandmothers, she adored her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren and the time she spent with them. She enjoyed telling her nieces that her brother Pat taught her to dance. She also fond of her many trips to Cape Cod.
She is survived by four sons, Eugene M. Naves, Jr. and his wife Lynn (Craft) of St. Petersburg, FL, Matthew William “Bill” Naves and his wife Kimberly (Shafner) of NC, John J. Naves and his companion Jill Maguire of Gloucester, and Richard F. Naves of St. Petersburg, FL; three former daughters-in-law: Diane (Twomey) Naves, Adrienne (Laurie) Naves, and Michelle (LeClaire) Naves; twelve grandchildren: Michael Naves, Melinda Madruga, Manny Naves, Jr., Jason Naves, Magen Barber, Jagger Naves, Mandi Boehm, Matthew Naves, Jack Naves, Dawn Noble, David Naves, Rachael Naves and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law: Analia “Ann” Vadala and Ethel Vadala both of Gloucester, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by a son, Manuel A. Naves, a daughter-in-law Patricia (David) Naves, her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Serafino “Sofi” Pallazola; four brothers and two sisters-in-law; John and Mary Vadala, Pasquale “Pat” Vadala, Dominic and Adeline Vadala, and Frank Vadala.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning in the Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 9:30 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Friday evening in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 4 – 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery.