The Verstella Biondi Charitable Endowment Fund works to improve the lives of neglected, abused and underserved children. Since her grandmother’s passing in 2016 at age 97, granddaughter Sarah had been trying to think of a special way to honor her grandmother. Last year, she established this permanent fund in Verstella’s name as a tribute to a strong and talented woman, mother, grandmother, wife and friend.
Verstella was born on Armistice Day in 1918 in Rutland, Vermont, the fourth of eight children. Growing up in poverty, she left school at a young age to do domestic work and help her mother. She married James A. Biondi, and together they had three children, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. A lifelong and passionate artist, Verstella brought energy, focus and intelligence to her art and craft work. She was a true maker in every sense of the word, from canning, crocheting, doll-making and knitting, to wood carving, painting and baking.
She had a strong love of learning; she began oil painting in her 40s and took up wood carving in her 70s. Her greatest creation was the warm and loving home she created for her family. The recipients of the Verstella Biondi Charitable Endowment Fund will work to share her spirit of love and caring for children.