Vera Kafka

Vera Kafka, 86, widow of the Rev. Hvezdon Kafka, died February 28, 2010. Born in Prague, she survived the Nazi occupation and emigrated to the US in 1945. The Kafkas embodied the American Dream, coming to this country with just their suitcases. With hard work and a frugal lifestyle they were able to put their sons through college. She managed the school lunch program in Stow, MA, and managed a women’s clothing store, ran the ladies section in a department store, and was once the nanny to the family of Dr. Edward Teller (father of the A-bomb). She deftly managed the responsibilities of being a mother, a minister’s wife, and a wage earner. She was an active member of the First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. After retiring she enjoyed traveling, golf, bridge, knitting, sewing and needlepoint. She is survived by her sons, Jason and Thomas Kafka, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.