Guilford L. Archer, Jr., 75, Vero Beach
Guilford “Gil” L. Archer, Jr., 75, of Vero Beach, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018, at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Ft. Pierce. Gil was born in Washington, D.C., to the late Guilford L. and Frances Eloise Stamps Archer.
In 1947, Gil and his parents moved to Vero Beach from Jacksonville.
Gil was a longtime employee and letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in Vero Beach.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Vero Beach. Gil was an avid reader and enjoyed camping, aviation, music, and his beloved “weiner” dogs.
As a former member of the Treasure Coast Astronomical Society, he was also fond of astronomy.
Surviving him is his wife of 54 years, Gay Archer; daughters, Darlene Bortner (Edward), of Fort Worth, Texas, Robin Barnes (Scott), of Greenville, Ala., and Theresa Cooper (Michael), of Fairview, Tenn.; son, James Archer, of Vero Beach; and grandchildren, Stephanie, Justin, Christopher, Zachary, and Abigail.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Dachshund Rescue, c/o Kelly Wilson, 4749 Frantz Ct. #2, Winter Park, FL 32792 or the Humane Society Oof Vero Beach, P.O. Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961.
The family will receive friends from 2:30-3 p.m., Thursday, July 12, at the Strunk Funeral Home in Vero Beach with a funeral service celebrating his life beginning at 3 p.m. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.
Maria Vergilia Soares, 80, Vero Beach
Maria Vergilia Soares (née Barbosa), 80, widow of Mario A. Soares, died on July 9, 2018 at her home in Vero Beach.
Maria was born on Oct. 3, 1937, in Caveira, Flores – one of the nine Azorean islands located off the coast of Portugal. She immigrated to the United States along with her husband, infant daughter and mother-in-law in June of 1959.
Maria mastered the English and Italian languages in addition to her native Portuguese. She became a talented seamstress and excelled in the industry for many years before becoming a bookkeeper at Russem’s Clothing Store of Lawrence, Mass.
She then moved on to a career as an agent for Carey Insurance in Methuen, Mass. But she realized her true calling as a teacher’s aide in elementary education for Lowell Public Schools. She spoiled the students with all her love and attention as if they were her own children.
Maria was a valued member of the choir and an active member of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Lawrence, Mass., and served as president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Portuguese American Civic League.
Upon retiring, Maria and Mario fulfilled their dream of living in Florida in 2003 where they joined the Catholic community of Saint Lucie. They also continued their lifelong traditions at the Portuguese American Cultural Center of Port Saint Lucie, Fla.
Maria lit up the room. She was funny, adventurous, fearless and full of life. She loved to cook, dance, garden and celebrate life. She was generous, empathetic, caring and loving. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and countless lives that she touched.
Maria is survived by her daughter Maria Fatima; son-in-law, Luciano Silva; grandchildren, Belinda and Brandon; great-grandson, Benjamin; sisters, Celina and Adelaide; brothers, Augusto, Jorge and Mario; and many nieces and nephews.
Maria and Mario celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2016. They were a loving, inseparable couple who traveled the world together and made a long-lasting impression on all that they met.
In addition to her beloved husband, Mario, she was predeceased by several siblings, Luna, Liberia, Lionel, Jose, and Antonio.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Lucie Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach.
