Vera (Caputo) Wrenn

Vera J. (Caputo) Wrenn, 80, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Worcester, passed away peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital on Thursday, April 25, 2024, surrounded by her immediate family.

Vera was born January 5, 1944, in Worcester, the oldest child of James J. and Helen A. (Ugone) Caputo. She grew up surrounded by her large Italian family. Vera graduated from North High School in 1962 after which she married her high school sweetheart, Dennis Wrenn, on April 24, 1965. She later earned her teaching degree from Worcester State University and a Human Resource Certificate from Assumption University. When her three girls were young, she was a long-term substitute teacher at their elementary school, Nelson Place. Vera later worked at Thom McAn Corporate, Kom Tek Technologies, and retired from New England Botanical Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA. 

Vera is survived by her husband Dennis; her three devoted daughters and their families, Maryann Cardani, her husband Larry and their children, Loren and Wes of Shrewsbury, Kathy Wrenn-Kleiman, her husband Rob and their children, Jenna and Josh of Dover, NH, Jean Ricker, her husband Brandt and their children, Sarah and Devin of Boylston; nieces, nephews, beloved cousins and friends. A brother, Ralph J. Caputo and two sisters, Maryann Ford and Rachelle Caputo, all predeceased her.

Vera was a long-time member of St. George Parish while living in Worcester, teaching CCD for many years. Later as a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Shrewsbury, she was very involved in gathering donations for refugees and immigrants. An avid reader, Vera also volunteered at the Shrewsbury Public Library. During COVID, Vera and Dennis set up their own COVID “Little Free Library” outside their home on Maple Ave, actively collecting books to keep it well stocked. 

 Vera cherished family and actively worked to keep everyone connected. She supported her large extended family through many difficult losses, often the one to guide others through grief. Vera could relate to people of all ages and backgrounds, forming lasting friendships across generations. Married to Dennis for 59 years they together raised three daughters, always supporting their unique personalities, interests, and talents. This continued with her 6 grandchildren. “Nonnie” loved being a grandmother more than anything else, enjoying sleepovers, crafting, and attending concerts, plays, and sporting events. As the grandchildren grew and communication changed, she became an avid texter and Instagram user, visiting them at college and welcoming their significant others into the family. 

Vera and Dennis loved to travel, both as a family and as a couple. Memorable trips were to Bermuda, England, Italy (of course), Ireland and Alaska.  But Vera’s favorite travels were to her second home state of Maine where the family often gathered in the summer. They traveled the coast of Maine, visiting different lighthouses and bed and breakfasts, and were favorites of the waitstaff at many breakfast spots. 

 The family would like to thank the pastoral staff at St. Mary’s Parish who provided Vera support during her cancer journey.  We would also like to express special appreciation for Dr. Gultawatvichai and the staff at the Infusion Center of Reliant Medical Center, and the nurses at St. Vincent Hospital ICU/3rd floor North who made Vera’s care and comfort their top priority. Nurses are truly angels. 

 Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours, Thursday, May 2nd from 4 pm to 7 pm at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street Shrewsbury. Her Celebration of Life Mass will be held Friday, May 3rd at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Church. Burial will follow in St.John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate or Doctors Without Borders, www.donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.  The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements once more.