Vera (Dolly) Avalon HERCHMER
Vera Avalon Herchmer, known by most as Dolly, died at the age of 92. She was born on November 23, 1924 in beautiful Nova Scotia on Heisler’s Island, Indian Point, in Lunenburg County to Jennie Florence May Heisler (nee Zwicker) and Stephen Menno Heisler. She was one of five children - 3 sisters - Ruth Spears, Margaret Wentzell, Joyce Rhuland, and a brother Lawrence affectionately known as Bub. The longevity genes are strong – her mother Jennie passed away just before her 100th birthday and Dolly is survived by one sister Ruth, while the others also lived into their 80’s or 90’s.
Dolly moved to Halifax in her late teens getting a job as an usher at the cinema. It is there she met her future husband Fred who was serving in the navy. They were married during World War II on October 24, 1944 in Halifax during one of his leaves before ultimately moving to Niagara Falls – Fred’s hometown.
Dolly and Fred raised three sons in Niagara Falls – Vince, Rick and Stephen.
Dolly has left a legacy of some surprising abilities. In her day she was an avid bingo player with an uncanny ongoing lucky streak. Her grandchildren were awed by her ability to crack open a lobster and strip it bare, her quick sense of humour, and her home baked chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. Her buttertarts and shortbread were legendary as were her superior housekeeping skills.
Dolly also loved dogs - especially her poodle Nicki and Rick’s dog Tess - bingo, euchre, word puzzles, crocheting, romance novels, steak subs, and especially her winter trips to Florida with Rick, Joanne and their family.
While Dolly never did get the daughter she wanted, she was happy to welcome both Joanne and Brenda as daughters-in-law. She was also blessed with three grandsons and their partners via Vince and Brenda. These include Jason and Karen, Christopher and Brandi, and William. Rick and Joanne’s children include Aaron (his partner Melissa), and daughter Laura. The pendulum tipped toward the females as Dolly was delighted with her three beautiful great granddaughters Sophia and Madison (daughters of Jason and Karen) and Laura’s new baby Amelia.
Toward the end of her life Dolly’s health declined somewhat so we can draw comfort from knowing she passed away peacefully with family at her side and will no longer suffer as the result of her pain. She will be missed.