Vera Hollow

Visitation: 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at the Brockton Cultural Center

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at the Brockton Cultural Center

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 3, 2008 at the Brockton High School Gym

Interment: Ft. Kipp Cemetery

Vera Henrietta Bertelsen Hollow, our beloved grandma, aunt and mother, age 85 of Brockton, MT passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at the Poplar Community Nursing Home.

Grandma Vera was born on September 4, 1922 to Marius and Ingaborg Bertelsen in Culbertson, MT. She attended school and spent her childhood years in Culbertson, along with her brothers Earl and Henry. It was during high school that she met the man that would become the love of her live and future husband, Norman Hollow. They married on November 25, 1938, and made their home on the Hollow Ranch between Brockton and Culbertson. Two daughters were born to this marriage, Doremis and Sharon.Grandma Vera was a loving and supportive mate for Grandpa Norman, and an adoring mother to her girls. She was equally adept at taking care of the girls and family home as she was helping Grandpa Norman with the farm/ranch chores. Throughout Grandpa Normans fifty year career in Fort Peck Reservation tribal politics, Grandma Vera was always a loyal, encouraging and stabilizing presence. She was so supportive during these times that many tribal members still referred to her as the First Lady long after Grandpa Norman retired as Tribal Chairman.

When the girls started school, Grandma Vera first worked as a clerk at Dons Store in Poplar, and eventually was hired as a cook at the Brockton School. It was during her tenure at the school that she enjoyed working with good friend Helen Boyd, and also allowed her to begin lifelong acquaintances with the staff and students that would enrich her life. She retired from the school in 1974, and spent her latter years enjoying bingo, visiting with her many friends in the Brockton area, and becoming a dedicated Brockton Warrior basketball fan. Grandma Vera was very proud of her grandchildren who competed for Brocktons basketball teams, and had a reserved seat right by the door at all the home games. Grandma Vera was a kind, gentle soul, who lavished her love on all her children and grandchildren. Her strength and character through losing her husband, two daughters and great-grandson was an inspiration to all of her family members.

Grandma Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; two brothers, Earl and Henry Bertelsen, two daughters, Doremis Bighorn and Sharon Vierra; and BigorfnBBBBBB andgreat-grandson, Quinn Bighorn. She is survived by her grandchildren, Spike Bighorn of Alexandria, VA; Carolyn (Greg) Brugh of Brockton; Blossom Longee of Hayward, CA and Ernest (Clarissa) Longee Vierra of Fort Washakie, WY. Great-grandchildren include Chelbi and Greg Brugh, Jr. of Brockton; Jonathan and Lorenzo Vierra of Fort Washakie, WY; George, Melody and Erica Nichols of Hayward, CA and Sean Bighorn of Alexandria, VA. Grandma Vera is also survived by three great-great-grandsons, Jarron and Patton Bighorn of Rapid City, SD and Angel Brito of Hayward, CA. She also is survived by brother-in-law Antone (June) Hollow of Everett, WA; sisters-in-law Caroline Yellowrobe of Wolf Point; Harriet (Wilfred) Wellington, Sacaton AZ; Katherine Bertelsen of Williston, ND and sons-in-law Alpheus Bighorn, Jr. of Brockton and Adrian Vierra of Hayward, CA. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 2 at the Brockton Cultural Center. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 3 at the Norman Hollow Brockton High School with Rev. Enright Bighorn officiating. Burial will be at the Fort Kipp Cemetery.