Vera Julia Bernacchi, beloved sister, aunt and mother, of Arlington, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 at Mt. Auburn Hospital from complications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a form of blood cancer).

Born in Somerville, she lived in Arlington, Mass., and Ormond Beach, Fla., for most of her life. She worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as an executive secretary during the 1960s and later was a strong advocate for the special education for gifted children.

Vera was the daughter of the late Pietro G. and Olga Bernacchi, and the sister of the late John P. and Rita Bernacchi. She is survived by her son Anthony Bernacchi of Arlington, her sisters Alba Gouldthorpe of Newburyport and Elsa Gould of Weymouth and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial donations may be made in Vera's memory to: The Sanborn Foundation, P.O. Box 417, Arlington, MA 02476-0052 (www.sanbornfoundation.org). Vera was a longtime Town Meeting Member for precincts 17 & 6. Arrangement by DeVito Funeral Homes.