Veronica “Vera” (Doneit) ElAttrache
Veronica “Vera” (Doneit) ElAttrache, age 70, of Mount Pleasant, Pa., lost her life on August 7, 2005, but never lost her spirit to live during a three year battle with ovarian cancer. Outlasting every medical option available, Vera kept fighting this formidable foe driven by her love of family and determined to live her life to the fullest. Although her fight is over, Vera came out the victor, not a victim. She was born March 13, 1935 in New York, N.Y., a daughter of the late Johannes and Helene Kuemmel Doncit.
The long battle began with surgery and a four month recovery in Los Angeles, Calf., before transferring back home to Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., and ending at Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, Pa.
Vera never considered herself a cancer victim. She explained, “I’ve never questioned why me? why this? why now? I’m not angry and I’m not afraid to die. Cancer is not payment or repayment of something you have or haven’t done. It’s one of the conditions of living in an imperfect world.”
Vera tried to make that world a little better with her life of service and accomplishment.
She began her career of caring in 1958 at Northwestern University Hospital in Chicago, Ill., where she completed her nursing degree and married Dr. Selim ElAttrache (currently a resident of Mount Pleasant, Pa). The couple moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where each practiced at the Primary Children’s Hospital and the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital before making their permanent home in Mount Pleasant in 1965.
In 1973, Mrs. ElAttrache co-founded and became President of the Mount Pleasant, Pa. Chapter of Meals-on-Wheels. In 1978 she joined the Westmoreland Choral Society and served two-terms as President before becoming General Manger, namesake and first recipient of the WCS V.E.R.A.(Volunteer of Excellence Recognition Award). She also served a term on the MPAHS School Board from 1981-1983.
When asked what her greatest accomplishment was, Vera smiled and said, “my four children!” She also reminisced and was glad people could turn to her for help and know it would be kept confidentional. “I never asked who had the need, I only asked “what is the need?”
Mrs. ElAttrache is survived by sons, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, his wife Tricia and their children Nicole, Natalie and Eva of Los Angeles, Calf.; Dr. Reid ElAttrache, his wife, Becky and their children Reid and Teddy of Peters Township, Pa.; Dr. Dean ElAttrache of Virginia Beach, Va; and daughter, Robin Gallagher and her husband, Patrick of Sewickley Heights, Pa. She is also survived by her sister, Jeanette Kraus of Brookfield, Wisc.
The list of “children” would not be complete without mentioning Mr. Ted Landis, his wife Gale and their daughters, Alexis and Olivia of Anthem, Az.
“My peace comes from my family and friends. I’ve been blessed with four children and five grandchildren. I’m very, very blessed with friends without whom I couldn’t have waged this battle.”
Beyond all hope, Vera was determined to “beat this thing” by continuing to be independent resuming to sing, babysitting her grandchildren coast to coast, and encouraging others with cancer during chemo session and by speaking at a dinner in Los Angeles for cancer survivors. Vera stressed “God doesn’t always give second chances, but I’ve been given many. I may not have been cured, but I’ve been healed.” When asked to explain, she added, “I’ll be ok.”
Her spirit was willing, but her body was unable. With her last breath she left this world as she lived in it, with a gentle grace.
Heart felt thanks is extended to the amazing oncologists and their teams of nurses who fought alongside our mother: Dr. Robin Farias-Eisner of UCLA Medical Center; Dr. Ben Schwartz and Dr. John Kelly of Magee Women’s Hospital; and Dr. John Waas of Frick Hospital. Special thanks goes to Dr. Kaldoun AlSadi also from Frick Hospital.
In Lieu of flowers, please send a memorial gift to one of Vera’s beloved organizations: Meals-on-Wheels, 822 West Main Street, Mount Pleasant, PA., 16555; The Westmoreland Choral Society, PO Box 518 Greensburg, PA 15601; and The Joan English Fund for Women’s Cancer Research, 1600 Mahall Place, Dominguez, CA., 90220
The family will receive visitors at BROOKS FUNERRAL HOME, 406 Eat Washington Street, Mount Pleasant, on Friday, August 12 from noon through 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 246 South Main Street, Greensburg, Pa., with the Rev. Allen E. Scanlon officiating. (EVERYONE PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH). Further announcements to be made at the church.
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