Verena (Rene) was born in Los Angeles, California on March 9, 1925, the daughter of Ray Nortvedt and Mary Colleran Nortvedt. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in El Sereno, California, Rene attended the University of California at Santa Barbara. She graduated in the first class under the UC System with a B.A. and a teaching credential.

Rene was teaching school in the Los Angeles area when she met and married Fred after a whirlwind courtship. Fred, Verena, and their daughters moved to Northern California in 1963.

Rene was a devoted wife and mother. She also found time to be active in the community. She was one of the founders of Women in Touch in 1986, and remained active in the organization. She had been an active member of the Morgan Hill Women's Chamber. Rene loved the San Francisco Giants, and was looking forward to the start of baseball season.

Rene passed away after an illness on February 26, 2013, less than 3 weeks after losing Fred, her husband of 64 years. She is survived by her loving family including daughters Susan and Margie (Harvey Blodgett), and granddaughter Karen Blodgett, She also leaves behind many cousins and long-time friends. She was well-loved and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013, at 12:30 P.M. at the Habing Family Funeral Home, located at 129 Fourth Street, in Gilroy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.