Sister Vera Lea of Christ the King

                                                           

            The  bride has entered the sweet garden of her desire, 
            and she rests with delight in the gentle arms of her beloved. Saint John of the Cross

                                             Entered into Life:  October 11, 1934
                                            Entered Cleveland Carmel: September 19, 1954
                                              Entered Eternal Life:  January 22, 2026
                                            In the 70th  year of her religious profession


Our Sister Vera Lea Virant, a beloved member of our community for 72 years died peacefully on the morning of January 22, 2026. Vera Lea was born in Cleveland to Leo and Vera Virant. She was a sister to Patty Jo Virant, Anita Louise Hall and Leo Virant III. Vera Lea had lived at Regina Health Center for ten years  and was cherished by the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, the staff and all the residents.

Vera Lea entered Carmel before Vatican II, but always rejoiced that the opening of Vatican II was on her birthdate of October 11. Vera Lea was a self- taught guitarist and an accomplished cantor. She composed several hymns and helped in the recording of the album The Lord is My Song  that the community released in the 1980's. Vera Lea  was also a published author in Spiritual Life magazine. She was mult-talented and gave herself to many and varied works around the monastery. Vera Lea loved the writings of Saint John of the Cross and would hold study sessions with people who wanted to deepen their spiritual lives.  

Vera Lea was an extremely sensitive and compassionate person, who embraced people who otherwise would have been cast aside by society. She was truly light in the darkness.

Vera Lea's funeral liturgy was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the Holy Family Chapel  of Regina Health Center in Richfield, OH.

Back