Obituary of Vera Misko Willis

Vera Misko Willis, age 92, left a legacy for family and friends. Married 68 years to John Robert Willis, until his death In 2017 at the age of 97, she is survived by three children; Lynn (Michael) Cox in NY, Greg (Nevatte) in Michigan, Jeff (Jane) in Maine. Three grandchildren; Garth (Nichole) in Tennessee, Grant in Michigan, and Geneva in Michigan. Plus one great grandson, Jaydon in Michigan. Growing up on a farm in Michigan she had many opportunities to observe the animals and nature, thus filling her 4 yr old mind with many ideas for paintings and characters. Her Ukrainian heritage mixed in many colorful design ideas, especially her Easter eggs. Whimsical and realistic flowers, plants, and animals are prevalent. She was the first to go to college in her family. She attended the University of Michigan in AnnArbor, MI and graduated with a Masters in Fine Arts. There she met John, her soulmate, and they married, and then started a creative, energetic family. She was a big participant of the budding AnnArbor Art Fair with her watercolors and oils helping the early fair to become the world renowned event it is today. Her great artistic flair in life spread to all of her children in the forms of pottery, fiber arts, and copper work done by each child as well in their own right. The after art fair gatherings with her crab fondue and Ukrainian bread wreaths were always a joy. Music would boom through the house as inspiration.A variety of Classical and songs from musical theatre added a special energy and creativity to her life. The folk art style she painted gave off peace and warmth with the animal’s eyes showing the wisdom and kindness in nature she loved. She often painted a theme of animals and humans in unison ‘under the rainbow’. Misko and John moved to Belfast, ME in 1983, falling in love with the Admiral's house that overlooked the bay. Here she cultivated her award-winning gardens, continued to attend art fairs, and maintained the Misko Folk Art gallery in their home. She is also credited for the creation for the bear design that became the icon for the Belfast Bear festival. Some of her many card designs can be found in shops throughout Camden and through the Allport Card company. She will be interned at Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta where her husband, John waits for her. Together as always. Thank you to all the great friends and neighbors whose laughter and support have been deeply appreciated. Also a thank you to the wonderful Tall Pines care and the veteran’s home in Augusta for their exceptional care of John.