Memorial
Verna Meger of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Saturday, April 19th , 2014 at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Verna Castellacci Meger was born in Staten Island, New York on June 28, 1938 to Gino and Margaret Castellacci who ran Mays Hotel located on the old Staten Island boardwalk. She attended St. John’s Villa Academy in Staten Island, New York and earned her RN in 1959 at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Verna met her husband of 52 years, Dr. Gene E. Meger, while the two were working at Marine Public Hospital in Staten Island, New York, Gene working as a staff resident and Verna as a staff nurse. Gene and Verna were united in marriage at St. Rock’s Catholic Church, Staten Island, New York on April 29, 1961.
Gene and Verna resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 1964 thru 2014 where Gene practiced ophthalmology from 1964 through 1994. They wintered in Ft. Myers, Florida for the past twenty years and also maintained a residence in Lake Delhi, Iowa. Verna was very active in the community and was dedicated to serving the world around her. She was a long-time committed member of All Saints Catholic Church, St. Monica’s church circle, and numerous other worthy causes. Verna loved cooking and entertaining, fitness, ballroom dancing, and travel (including the annual family vacation at Fair Hills). Her love for life was infectious. She lived a healthy lifestyle that included a passionate pursuit of exercise and a taste for healthy foods. Walks and picnics on the Florida beaches were among her favorite moments. Her positive attitude and concern for others inspired everyone she met.
If you knew her you loved her.
She was completely devoted to her family and is survived by her husband Gene; daughter Laurie Meger Kane and her husband Joe Kane of Lake Zurich, Illinois; son Bob Meger and his wife Debbie Meger of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter Sheryl Meger Chapman and her husband Bret Chapman of Cornelius, North Carolina; grandchildren Alysa and Jake Kane, Alex and Ava Chapman, and Mason Meger; sister-in-law Laurene Meger; sister-in-law Mary Beredimas; and brother-in-law Patrick Meger and his spouse Patricia Meger.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Guests are invited to join the family for visitation at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home Monday from 4:00 to 6:30 PM. A vigil service will begin at 4:00 PM where sharing of memories will take place. Friends who wish to participate may do so at that time.
A memorial mass officiated by Reverend John Flaherty will take place 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at All Saints Catholic Church. Family will receive guests starting at 9:30 AM. A lunch celebrating her life will immediately follow the mass.
Memorial donations in Verna’s name may be directed to Hospice and Pallative Care Charlotte Region. They cared for her with love and compassion in her final weeks.
Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman (HLN)
705 Griffith Street, Suite 203
Davidson, NC 28036
www.hpccr.org