Earlier this year, I lost a mentor and a friend to cancer.  Viera was an amazing woman.  After loosing her husband she went on to raise two fantastic children – who are a testament to her enduring dedication to them- run a successful business, create a sanctuary where many of her friends went to laugh, and sing and eat and find themselves in her friendship.  She was outspoken in her views, especially politics and family. 
Viera encouraged me to be myself and made sure I knew that my path is the correct one for me.  She was easy to talk to and opened her heart home and arms to all of her friends.
Nothing showed how much people valued Viera as much as the outpouring of “helpers,” e-mails, cards and phone calls that she received when she was ill.  I count myself as lucky to have been able to spend time with her in the hospital as her days were coming to an end.  She joked with the doctors and nurses.  She was optimistic in her treatment when there was very little to be optimistic about.  And when she finally left us, it was at home with her children holding her hands.   She was a magnificent woman and I hope she knew that, that was and is my opinion of her.