Veronica A. Tedrow

Veronica A. (Polak) Tedrow, 85, of Brownstown, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 5, 2023. She was born February 23, 1938, in Johnstown, daughter of John and Frances (Garec) Polak.

Preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband and “Teddy Bear”, Arthur; her stepdaughter, Linda Duca-Means; her brothers: John, Charlie, and Jim; her sister, Frances; her sisters-in-law, Josephine and Dolly; her brother-in-law, Jim Piscitella; her niece, Kathryn Polak; her nephews, John Polak and Jimmy Piscitella; her precious granddogs, Sadie Doo and Niltra; and her best buddy, Dolores Kadas.  

Survived by her daughter Kimberly Tedrow-Means (Phil); her brother, Robert; sisters-in law: Marlene Polak, Suzanne Maydahl, and Kathy Piscitella; her grandsons, Frankie and Bradley (Tonya) Duca; her great grandchildren, Tanner and Wyatt; her step-children, Tim, Joe, Cindy, and Tracy; her nieces and nephews, Janet, Patty, Gloria, and Karen; Wright and Wayne; Robert; Rebecca, Annie, Daniel, and Maddie; Lisa; also, numerous great nieces and nephews.

Veronica graduated from Ferndale Area High School. She went on to obtain a degree in Elementary Education at Clarion State Teachers College.  She furthered her education at Edinboro State University. This led to a long and successful career teaching elementary school at the Greater Johnstown School District (formerly Westwood Elementary).  

As a teacher, Veronica made a huge impact.  Through the years, countless people have shared stories of their favorite teacher and the things she helped them with beyond their education. If she ran into a former student, even decades later, she would impressively remember their name.  

Veronica adored her family.  Gatherings occurred regularly and annual summer family reunions took place in Erie, PA.  Throughout her life, everyone could count on a card from Veronica for every occasion.  

She was a proud resident of Brownstown for the majority of her life and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church.  In her younger years she did extensive traveling, which she documented on film and via unique keepsakes such as charm bracelets.  She was known for her sharp cars and fashionable outfits.  Later in life, she and Art enjoyed bingo and trips to Atlantic City, NJ.  

Her last two and half years were spent at The Villa Personal Care Home in Johnstown, where she received exceptional care and was kindly referred to as “Miss V”.  

Friends will be received 2-4 PM and 5-7 PM on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Johnstown. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM on Friday, May 12, 2023 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Brownstown; Father Mark S. Begly officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Wings of Rescue at wingsofrescue.org or P.O. Box 602030, San Diego, CA 92160; or to an animal rescue organization of choice. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Veronica A. Tedrow, please visit our floral store.