WHEREAS, Vera Punke, a cherished member of the Arlington community, celebrated her 107th birthday on August 29, 2022; and

WHEREAS, the daughter of Italian immigrants who overcame an untold number of challenges to achieve their dreams in the United States, Vera Punke has lived her whole life with great fortitude and sense of purpose; and

WHEREAS, Vera Punke's unwavering optimism and determination were further forged by the example of her mother, Rosina, who worked tirelessly to raise her and her three siblings by herself after the death of Vera Punke's father, Amadeo; and

WHEREAS, Vera Punke met Al DiMeglio when she was 19 years of age, and they were married three years later, forming a union that would bless them with two children, Richard and Elda; and

WHEREAS, Vera Punke embraced motherhood and was highly involved in her children's lives and their activities, serving variously as a Girl Scouts of the USA den leader and camp director, a Boy Scouts of America den mother, and a parent-teacher association president; and

WHEREAS, later in life, Vera Punke pursued a career as an entrepreneur, owning and operating three successful businesses in Providence, Rhode Island, and was also a dedicated community activist and organizer, serving formerly as president of her homeowners' association; and

WHEREAS, over her diverse and accomplished career, Vera Punke was notably a published correspondent in her local newspaper at a time when women were still largely shut out of most newsrooms; and

WHEREAS, confronted with the death of her husband and the task of raising her young daughter alone, Vera Punke refused to cower or to become dependent on the help of others, striving indefatigably to ensure a good life for her and her family; and

WHEREAS, after subsequent marriages and a time living in Florida, Vera Punke has most recently taken residence at The Jefferson retirement and assisted living community in Arlington, where her radiant presence is a constant source of delight for both fellow residents and staff; and

WHEREAS, at 107 years of age, Vera Punke remains an active and energetic member of her community, offering bridge lessons to residents of The Jefferson and frequently participating in the facility's outside activities; and

WHEREAS, Vera Punke's latest birthday with friends and neighbors was featured in local print and television news, bringing greater recognition to a member of the Arlington community who has been an inspiration to so many over the years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Vera Punke hereby be commended on the occasion of her 107th birthday; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Vera Punke as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for her life and legacy of service.