Vera Ellen Raby

Vera Ellen Raby, 83, of Lancaster, passed away on May 19, 2025 at Legends of Lancaster in Millersville. She was the loving wife of the late Lawrence Lee Raby who preceded her in death.

Born in Goring- by- Sea, Sussex, England, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Elizabeth (Shoulders) Brockhurst.

Vera spent much of her life working with children. First as a nanny, then as a mother and finally as a teacher’s aide.

In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, making dolls, reading a good mystery and playing Canasta.

Vera is survived by her children, Deborah Spagnolo with her husband David, John Raby with his wife Stacie, Le’ Ann Raby with her partner Tom Sheppard, Eileen Smith with her husband Russell, and Bernard Raby. Also surviving are six grandchildren; Daniele Mangrove, Kaitlan with her husband Tim Perry, Samantha and her husband Wiggy Kirk, Taylor Raby, Nicolas Raby and his wife Alexandria, and Connor Smith; and two great-grandchildren Ben and Jake; and a brother, David Brockhurst. In addition to her late husband and parents, she was predeceased by brothers, Raymond and John Brockhurst and her sister, Peggy Smith.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St. James Episcopal Church, 19 N Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:00AM. A visitation will be held at the church form 10:30AM until the start of the service. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in Rosehill Memorial Park in Putnam Valley, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to any organization which benefits veterans. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com