Isabel "Cristina" Vera

Isabel “Cristina” Vera, 64,  passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2024 at her home in Arlington, Virginia. 

Cristina was born on May 29th, 1959 to Joaquin Jaramillo and Mariela Jaramillo in Colombia. The youngest of nine children. Cristina was a devoted mother and is survived by her son, Andrew Vera, his sister, Cynthia Vera-Collins and her children, daughter in law, Jessica Vera and her cherished grandchildren, Sofia Isabella and Luca Andres Vera. She is also survived by her siblings, Mariela Jaramillo (sister), Joaquin Jaramillo (brother) and Olga Jaramillo (sister), and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

She was known as one of the matriarchs of the family, one who had her hand in the upbringing of many of her siblings’ children, of whom she thought of as her own. 

Cristina moved to the United States in her teen years hoping to live the “American Dream.” She was raised by her mother, Mariela, who taught her the meaning of hard work and her older siblings. In the United States, Cristina worked many jobs until settling into one where she met lifelong friends who she considered family at BM Smith & Associates Inc. It would have been her 25 year anniversary in September. 

Cristina had an eighteen year long battle with Ovarian Cancer. When she was diagnosed in 2006, she committed to not giving up. For those who knew Cristina, none were surprised that she would not give up and fight until her last breath. 

Throughout her life, Cristina touched the lives of those around her with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering love. She was known for her stern but loving ways and her tenacious attitude towards life. In her free time, she enjoyed going to mass, strolling the weekend farmers markets and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and their children. She found joy in food and family gatherings, and her laughter was infectious. She was cherished by many. 

Cristina will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return. Her spirit and lessons will continue to be passed down through generations to come.

The funeral mass will be held in her honor on Tuesday, April 23rd at 10 AM. It will be held at Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Falls Church, Virginia. All friends and family are welcome to attend and pay their respects. The mass will be followed by an Urn Burial in the Columbarium “Peace Garden” at Saint Anthony’s of Padua Church. Reception is going to be at “Sabores Tapas Bar” the address is 2401 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA 22204. The time of reception is 1230-230. 

The Vera family invites all in celebrating the remarkable life of Cristina, a woman who brought light and love into the lives of so many.

In lieu of flower please consider a donation in Cristina's name to St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church (https://www.stanthonyparish.org/) or to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (https://ocrahope.org/about/?form=donations).

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