Vera Jean Kearney

Vera Jean Kearney, age 89, of Albia, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa, IA. Vera was born on April 8, 1937, at home in Hocking, IA, to James and Elizabeth (Beadle) Nicoletto. She grew up attending school in Albia, graduating with the Class of 1955. Following high school, she furthered her education taking accounting classes. On November 12, 1955, she was united in marriage to Cecil Kearney at St. Ambrose Catholic Cathedral in Des Moines, and to this union, 2 sons were born: John and Don. Vera and Cecil were blessed with 70 years of marriage prior to his passing on January 17, 2026. Vera began her working career as a switchboard operator for the telephone company. She later worked as a bookkeeper for Ottumwa Drug, and eventually handled the bookkeeping for Commercial Outfitters, a business they owned with their son, John. During retirement, she and Cecil continued to lease and service ice machines. Vera was a woman of strong faith and was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia and the Altar and Rosary Society. She was an avid bowler, participating in league bowling for more than 30 years and competing in numerous state tournaments. She was an Iowa and Iowa State basketball fan. Vera enjoyed attending auctions and bargain hunting, as well as spending time outdoors. She was a very talented cook and baker, known for her pies and bread pudding. Vera’s true joy in life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Vera is survived by her sons, John (Geri) Kearney and Don (Allyson) Kearney; 3 grandchildren, Thomas Kearney, Sarah (Eric) Tabaka, and Rose Kearney; 3 sisters, Mary Buckingham, Evelyn (Jim) Conway, and Kathy Brink; and a brother, George (Linda) Nicoletto. Vera is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Kearney; her parents, James and Elizabeth Nicoletto; a sister, Judy Nicoletto; and 2 brothers, James (Beverly) Nicoletto and Paul (June) Nicoletto. Visitation with a Rosary starting at 10:00 a.m. will be held until 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Vera’s family present to greet family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Isaac Essel officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. An open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date.

Vera Jean Kearney

April 8, 1937 - April 25, 2026