Vera H. Fernandes, 67, of Peoria, Illinois passed away Dec. 4, 2014, at her residence. She was born March 30, 1947, in New Haven, CT, to Michael H. and Vera H. Sakovich Markitan. Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl Ann Fernandes of Milford, CT., son, Michael E. Fernandes of Hanna City; two grandchildren, Haley Fernandes and Cody Fernandes of Hanna City; one sister, Renee Markitan of Stratford, CT; and numerous cousins on the East Coast. Vera valued her friendships with Barb and Barry Saunders, their family as well as countless brothers and sisters in blue. She was a mother figure and friend to many throughout her life. Her ever-giving nature and generosity was unrivaled. Vera was known for her grit, courage, determination and stubbornness. She never met a challenge she didn't take head-on, which allowed her to survive breast cancer. She worked store security at Bergner's, then Bradley University Police Department, where she was among the first group of officers to complete the Illinois State Police Academy training. This advanced her career to Peoria Police Department, where she worked in vice, patrol and as a violent crime detective as well as neighborhood police officer before retiring in 2011. While employed as a Peoria police officer, she received eight letters of appreciation, two letters of commendation, a Distinguished Service Award and the American Legion Meritorious Service Award. During her tenor in law enforcement, she worked part-time for Loreal as a reset coordinator for close to 18 years. She was a member of the Peoria Police Benevolent Association and also was a member of International Association of Women Police for 25 years, where she sponsored countless women to attend conferences all over the world. Her love of travel with IAWP took her to over six countries and countless U.S. cities. Her dedication and devotion to family, friends and those who knew her was recognized through her generosity and by her love sprinkled into her cooking and chocolate chip cookies. She always dreamed of retiring near the ocean in her birthplace of Connecticut. A Requiem Funeral Service will take place on Friday, December 12th at 11 a.m. in St. John's Russian Orthodox Church, 1240 Broadbridge Ave Stratford. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery New Haven. Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. Panachida at 5:30 p.m. Donations in Vera's memory can be made to: The IAWP Foundation, Inc. at http://www.iawp.org/iawpfoundation/
"Until we meet again at that final roll call in the sky."