Stonington - Vera Barrett Acker died unexpectedly October 4 after spending a delightful day with her family.
Vera Anne Barrett was born September 7, 1920 in Brookline, MA to Charles Godwin and Vera Magowan Barrett. Throughout family moves that included Milwaukee, New York and Virginia, the family spent every summer of her youth in Noank and Groton Long Point.
She was married in 1944 to Joseph M. Rodgers, Jr., of Philadelphia. They, too, moved often, from Philadelphia, Japan, Florida, Delaware and France. In 1958, they separated and Vera returned from France to her beloved Noank with their two sons. She enjoyed 17 fulfilling years working for the Mystic Seaport Museum and served as a volunteer for 20 years.
In 1974, she was introduced to Robert B. Acker, who had recently retired and moved back to this area. Within a year, they married and embarked on 27 years of a wonderful and exemplary marriage. They were an inspiration and guiding light to their children, grand-children, nieces, nephews and friends. Bob Acker died in 2002, after securing an apartment at Stoneridge where Vera became one of the “Pioneers” of the newly built retirement community.
Vera is survived by two sons, Joseph M. Rodgers, III and Robert B. Rodgers and his wife Annika T. Rodgers, 3 grandsons, Robert B. Rodgers, Jr., Andrew S. Rodgers and George S. Rodgers, a step-daughter, Caroline Acker, her son John Ciancutti and daughter Natasha Innocenti and step-son Peter Acker, his wife Gila and daughters Karen, Jessica and Daniella.
She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Kantner of Stuart, Florida, her son Roger Hesketh and two daughters, Dana Bayer and Lori Granfield.
Memorial donations may be made to the Mystic Seaport Museum in memory of Robert and Vera Acker.
A private memorial service was attended by family.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with her family, please click the link below.