Vera Lackey

Vera Jane Lackey, 81, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on January 11, 1943, to Trinidad Avila Duarte and Ruth Vargas Duarte. She grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1961. She met the love of her life, Mike Lackey, and later they got married on May 18, 1963. Together, they had three wonderful daughters. Vera’s lifelong career was running an in-home daycare for 36 years which also provided a preschool program for many years. She touched many young lives in these 36 years running this daycare. She brought much comfort to parents by providing a safe place for their children to stay. Her business was very successful not only due to her entrepreneurial spirit, but because she was compassionate. She cared for the children as if they were her own. Between being a mother, grandmother, and daycare provider, Vera felt her calling to the world and was very successful at shaping young minds. Vera was a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Every Women’s Resource Center, member of State and National Day Care Provider organizations, which she helped and led seminars on daycare locally and nationally, she also helped passionately with the funeral luncheons at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. She is survived by husband, Mike; daughters, Raelynn Bervert of Topeka KS, Kelli Hoffman (Jason) of Topeka KS, Tricia Reimer (Kirk) of Hopewell Junction NY; grandchildren, Christopher Bervert (Lexie) of Topeka KS, Travis Bervert of Topeka KS, Aidan Reimer of Hopewell Junction NY, Avery Reimer of Hopewell Junction NY, five great-grandchildren, Cashton Bervert, Lily DeShazer, Camile Bervert, Adrianne Bervert and Tatum Bervert; siblings, Mary Lingerfelt, Robert Duarte, Eleanor Lawson, Andres Duarte, Billy Duarte, Peter Duarte, Geralyn Espinoza and Gina Glenn; and many nieces and nephews. Vera is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, David Duarte, Trinidad Duarte Jr., Patrick Duarte, Stevie Duarte, Trinidad (Junie) Duarte, and Kirene McJunkin. Visitation and Rosary will be Thursday, June 20, 2024, beginning at 9 am, followed by a Rosary at 10 am and Mass at 10:30 am, all at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church 3601 SW 17th St. Topeka KS 66603. She will be laid to rest at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Blvd in Hutchinson KS, on June 21, 2024 with committal service at 10:30 am. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice, Every Women’s Resource Center and Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Vera Lackey

January 11, 1943 - June 8, 2024