In Honor Of

Vera lived in Chalkida, Greece for the first 18 years of her life. Being among the top students in her class, Vera completed her bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Kapodistriako National University of Athens. Vera was always passionate about providing a “safe space” for anyone who was being mistreated in any shape or form. During her studies, she would also take in dogs that had been abused by their owners and needed a temporary home until new safe owners were found.

Vera’s passion for teaching led her to complete her masters in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at the University of Reading in the UK. After moving to the UK, Vera instantly grabbed the opportunity to volunteer at a school that helped students coming from very violent family backgrounds. Vera stood out for her teaching skills and the level of innovation and comfort she provided to her students.

In the summer of 2016, Vera decided to move to Paris, France and live with her partner Gracia. Not long after, she joined the British Council there, happily teaching English to French children and adults. Very quickly, she also learned to speak French fluently.

In November 2018, Vera brought to life the cutest girl, her beautiful Stella. Vera adored Stella with every fiber of her being. Upon receiving her cancer diagnosis (SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma – SD/SC) at the end of 2021, she worked especially hard to create as many memories as possible with Stella, somehow managing brilliantly despite the exhausting treatments she was undergoing. Vera’s love for Stella was and is infinite.

Vera was an extraordinary person who lived her values to the very last day. She was diverse, open minded, comprehensive, honest, and brave with the ability to care and love everyone around her. Her sense of justice made her unique.

All in all, Vera offered her love and generosity to everyone who loved her back, and always kept a special spot in her heart for those who were in need due to different and difficult life circumstances.

Annelise Padró was a shining star brighter than the morning sun. We call her our mariposa. She passed away February 26, 2026, at 33 years old. She bravely and gracefully endured a four-year battle against an extremely rare and aggressive cancer known as SNUC Smarcb1, facing multiple surgeries, radiation, and experimental treatments with extraordinary strength.

Her niece Beatrice and nephews Luca and Leo know her as their “hero,” their bravest girl. They say Annelise will draw “pictures of dogs with clouds in the sky from heaven.” Our world has been forever changed by her presence. Every stuffed animal or silly toy she gifted still glitters with her personality and humor and will continue to brighten our lives. She taught us to save the little spiders in our homes and carry them safely outside, to dress fabulously, to honor beauty from the inside out, and to love deeply and without hesitation.

Annelise was a woman of resplendent beauty, made even more evident by the beauty she carried within. Born on April 3, 1992, in Virginia, she was a model, business owner, creative, and academic — an ever-flowing fountain of artistic, aesthetic, literary, and entrepreneurial vision. She completed her degree in Sociology even while undergoing treatment, a testament to her determination and spirit. Her ideas were often realized long before they reached mainstream popularity. She was well-traveled, spending cherished time in Uruguay and Italy with family, where she developed a deep appreciation for culture, art, cuisine, and the beauty of all people. Sharp and witty, she was a no-nonsense woman, fiercely faithful and loyal to those she loved.

Most notably, Annelise was a self-proclaimed “dog lady.” Her deepest desire was to rescue abandoned dogs and give them safe, loving homes. She cared for all living creatures — feeding deer, raccoons, and even tarantulas from her California backyard. From her early days with Greta and George to her constant companion, a Great Dane she named Elvira, her love for animals was boundless.

Despite the immense challenges of her illness — from the initial diagnosis following persistent symptoms in 2021, to brain and spinal surgeries, radiation, and participation in a clinical trial — Annelise remained in good spirits, meeting each obstacle with resilience, grace, and hope for a cure that might help others.