Vera E. (McFadden) Buccini, 95 June 18, 1926 - October 23, 2021

Haverhill – Vera E. (McFadden) Buccini, 95, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2021. Vera, a gentle, caring soul, was a lifelong resident of Haverhill and a loving wife and mother. Her husband, John, passed away in 2013.

Vera was born on June 18, 1926, the daughter of the late Owen and Elizabeth (Hayes) McFadden. She grew up in Haverhill’s Acre neighborhood, which she loved. Her widowed mother instilled in her a sense of optimism in the face of adversity, raising her children alone during the Great Depression. The daughter kept true to her mother’s positive example.

Vera attended St. James School through the eighth grade. The Sisters of St. Joseph made a lasting impression on her, and she remained a devout Catholic for the rest of her life.

A Haverhill High School graduate, Vera had fond memories of her childhood in Haverhill, with its bustling downtown, shops, and multiple movie theaters. In 1947, while working as a telephone switchboard operator, she began dating John A. Buccini, an accountant and orchestra musician. Their first date was at Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, where John was performing. They were married in 1951. Guy Mitchell, a popular vocalist of the day, was a surprise guest at their reception, singing “Because” and leading the guests in a group of Italian songs.

After their honeymoon in New York City, Vera and her husband moved into the Beach Street three-decker occupied by her in-laws, Giovanni and Teresa Buccini, as well as John’s brothers, Elmo and Mario, and Mario’s wife, Sonia – and later their sons Steve and Ron. Under the watchful eye of her mother-in-law, Vera, of Irish/Scottish descent, learned the art of Italian cooking, skills she applied to every family meal to come.

The family quickly grew with the arrival of Vera and John’s three children, John Jr., Randy, and Maureen. Vera was devoted to her husband and children above all else, offering unconditional love, wisdom, and support.

In 1963, the Buccini family moved into their Smiley Avenue home, which Vera cherished. Holidays there were a special time for her; she filled the home with festive decorations, the aromas of homemade meals, and her lively conversation.

Vera enjoyed many summers at the beach, where she and her sister-in-law Sonia prepared wonderful meals for their immediate and extended family, followed by peaceful walks in the salt air.

To say she had a great sense of humor doesn’t cover it. Vera could make a person burst out laughing with her delivery. Her advice for a happy life: “Have a laugh every day.” Family and friends loved her for her ever-present smile, her kindness, compassion, intelligence, and generosity. Vera loved sipping tea, bird-watching, and cheering on “Judge Judy.” She was a well-versed movie buff, eager to discuss Old Hollywood. Her knowledge of the “Seinfeld” TV series was expansive–she could trade lines from the show with the most ardent (and younger) fans of the show.

Vera’s home was her haven. She felt fortunate and happy to be able to remain there until the time of her passing, thanks in large part to the devotion of caretakers Gary Stack and Jeffrey McAvoy, and dedicated caregivers Sue, Rosemary, Keri, Jane, Dolores, Cindy, and Kim, whose love for her was evident every day.

Vera is survived by her sons, John A. Buccini Jr., and Randy M. Buccini and his wife, Cynthia, and daughter Maureen A. Buccini. She is also survived by her dear sister-in-law Gwen McFadden, beloved niece Kathleen Frasca and her husband, Alphonse, nephews Thomas P. McFadden, and Eric McFadden and his wife, Karen, and longtime friends Virginia Beaulieu and Mary-Ellen Swietlik.

Vera was predeceased by her brothers Wayne McFadden, Thomas E. McFadden, William McFadden and wife Barbara, her sister Lillian McFadden, nephews Mark McFadden and Dennis McFadden, cousins Frances “Frannie” Seaman, Agnes Fennelly, Gertrude Fennelly, and James Fennelly.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Mrs. Buccini’s funeral service to be held on Saturday, October 30, at 12:00 Noon at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home 486 Main St. Haverhill. A period of visitation will be held prior to her service from 10:30 AM until 12:00 Noon. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com.