Vera Jean Ohanesian

Sacramento, California - It is with greatest sadness that we announce the death of Vera Jean Ohanesian on May 19, 2026. After an eleven month battle with cancer, including ten months of home hospice, Vera passed away with great dignity and strength and with her family by her side. Vera was the light of her family's life and will be greatly missed by all of us.

Vera was born on January 7, 1945, in Oakland, California to Paul and Lillian Nielsen, joining three older brothers: Robert, Gordon and Harold. Only her beloved Harold survives her. Vera became a fine legal secretary who worked for law professors at Boalt Hall, UC Berkeley.

In 1973, she married Gordon Ohanesian and became a resident of Sacramento in 1976. The highlight of her life was as a mother to Jennifer (Ryan), Andrew (Julie), Robin (Chia), and Lisa (Page), and a grandmother to Nicholas, Sarah, Lucy, Clyde, Woody, and, most recently, Alice Vera.

Vera will be remembered not only for her devotion to her family, but for the gentle kindness she showed to everyone around her. She had a warm and welcoming spirit, a quiet strength, and a gift for making people feel cared for and valued. Her sweetness, patience, and compassion touched countless lives over the years. Whether through a thoughtful word, a comforting presence, or the love she gave so freely to family and friends, Vera brought light and warmth wherever she went.

The family would like to thank Ateca (Tater) Marana for her extraordinary care and love for our precious mother and wife for the last ten months.

Each of her sorrows and challenges over the last year cut a string and urged her to rise. We will love her forever.

Burial services will be private.