Vera Silberberg

Vera, a long-standing member of York Ramblers died following a tragic accident.

Vera was born in 1940 in British India (now Pakistan) to Jewish parents, Harry and Babette, who had fled Nazi Germany. Because her father was in the British Army, the family moved frequently, including a period in Malaysia. In 1947, following the end of World War II, the family relocated to Bulawayo in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).

Vera moved to England in 1957 to study chemistry at the University of Manchester. After graduating, she continued her studies at the University of Toronto, where she earned a PhD in physical inorganic chemistry. On the voyage out, she met Jeanette, who was also going to study at Toronto. It was there, in the early 1960s, that they befriended Canadians David and Carol Self. Although Jeanette returned to the UK, and the Selfs went to work in Lesotho, these relationships became lifelong friendships.

Following her time in Canada, Vera returned to Southern Rhodesia, where she taught at a girls’ secondary school for seven years. She then returned to England as a stateless person, settled on North Parade in York, subsequently taking British citizenship. She continued her teaching career at Queen Margaret’s School, an independent boarding and day school for girls in Escrick.

Vera likely converted to Christianity during her time in Africa, though she did not disclose this openly until after her parents had died, in 1987. In York, she joined the congregation of St Olave’s Church, became a tertiary at the Sisters of the Holy Paraclete at St Hilda’s Priory in Whitby, and later became an oblate of the Sisters of the Love of God in Oxford.

Vera’s passion for community and the outdoors truly defined her later years. Generous with her time and fiercely energetic, she immersed herself in York life: volunteering at Oxfam, ringing church bells, playing competitive bridge, leading tours on the historic city walls, and joining local archaeological digs. Her love for the Yorkshire landscape also led her to serve as a volunteer Ranger for the North York Moors National Park.

Of all her many pursuits, however, it was rambling that captured her heart. For nearly two decades, Vera served as Group Secretary for the York Ramblers,holding the position until 2016, and on the council of East Yorkshire and Derwent Area Ramblers. Sam Borman, Area Chairman and former bridge partner recalls her as: “A lively, unapologetically direct character. She spoke her mind with clarity and conviction, and that honesty drew admiration from many. Her absence leaves a real void and her wit, her candour, and the spark that she brought to every room she entered, will be missed. Vera was truly one of a kind.”

Peter Ayling, former Area President, echoed these sentiments, remembering her fondly as "a formidable member of any meeting."

Tragically, Vera died in June 2025 from pneumonia, following multiple injuries sustained in a head-on collision with an HGV on the A19 at Tollerton. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, fierce independence, and intellect.

At her funeral, Carol and Lizzie (Jeanette’s daughter) gave an account of Vera’s early life, and Kari (David and Carol’s daughter) has provided details regarding her time in Toronto.

Tom Halstead