Vera Watson

Our Mama’s Story
Vera Elizabeth Watson
2/22/1992-11/10/2021

Our Mama was born in Krasnoyarsk Russia on February 22, 1992. When she was 7 1/2 years old she entered an orphanage and lived there for almost 18 months. In December of 2001 PopPop, Grandma T and Uncle Allan traveled over to Russia to adopt her into the family. When they first met her the only English words she knew were “Hello Mama, Hello Papa”. When she arrived in the United States she started meeting her new extended family and had her first American Christmas. She started at Des Moines Christian school as a second grader and was warmly welcomed by her new classmates.
Early on she said, "Mama, living here is like living in a dream, everyone is so happy here." She worked hard to learn English and at times was frustrated when she couldn’t communicate. Actions were an easy way to communicate. Sledding in the back yard was one of her favorite activities that first winter.
Her summer vacation included picking out a puppy after repeated pleadings of "Papa, puppy please!" A little puppy was selected and named Annie only to find out after a few days it was it was a boy!
She loved the outdoors and animals. She would often rescue stray kittens and add them to the family.
Her first son was born in July of 2009 and was named Michael Allan. She married Tyler Watson in 2012 and they moved to Ankeny. In February of 2014 Malachi Lee was added to the family. Tyler and Vera later divorced, and Vera, boys and pets Calcifer the German Shepherd, the cats and the bearded dragon moved to Des Moines. Vera and Tyler continued to co-parent.
She grew up to be a beautiful person both inside and out. She was a good artist, loved her pets and adored her boys. She would make and take pictures, blankets and pillows for those she loved. She could light up a room with her smiles and laughter. She will be greatly missed by all.
She battled alcoholism and her addiction was stronger than she was.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Lee and Thelma Bakker. She is survived by her children Michael and Malachi, her parents Mark and Teresa Bakker, her brother and sister-in-law Allan and Emily Bakker and their son Leo, her maternal grandparents Norman and Vivian Homeyer of Waverly, Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
The family will greet friends Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 10:30 a.m. at Westkirk Presbyterian Church 2700 Colby Woods Dr, Urbandale, IA 50322. The service will be live streamed and the live stream link will be available below prior to the service.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to ARL of Iowa and Westkirk Presbyterian Church Youth Fund.
Online condolences may be expressed at HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

--Written by her sons Michael and Malachi

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