Vera Faulk, In Loving Memory
Since 1956, Vera Faulk devoted her life to serving families in Puerto Vallarta with unwavering love and compassion. Originally from Washington State—where she once served as a mayor—Vera brought her leadership, heart, and deep sense of purpose to a community she would come to call home.
She loved to tell the story of how, when she first arrived in Puerto Vallarta, there were only two taxis in the entire town. She often recalled with a chuckle how the whole town came to a standstill one day—everyone gathered to watch as a car transport rolled in with more taxis. It was such a rare event, no one wanted to miss it!
For over 60 years, Vera dedicated her life to breaking the cycle of poverty—beginning with the children. She believed deeply in the power of education to transform lives, helping countless young people rise from the harshest conditions by covering school fees from kindergarten through university. Her compassion didn’t stop there. Vera quietly met urgent medical and dental needs, built and remodeled homes with cement floors, added bathrooms or bedrooms for families living in heartbreaking conditions, and regularly stepped in to cover basic monthly expenses for those with nowhere else to turn.
Vera getting baptized in the Jordan River
She also found people jobs, connected them with opportunities, and had a remarkable gift for getting things done. Vera was a quiet force—always moving behind the scenes to make life better for those around her.
Vera also supported several local life-changing organizations like Pasitos de Luz – Casa Connor and New Beginnings, always seeking ways to uplift the vulnerable. In time, she became a beloved figure in the community—known affectionately as “The Famous Dump Lady,” and to many, even “The Mother Teresa of Puerto Vallarta.”
Vera’s life was a living testament to generosity, compassion, and tireless service. She dedicated herself to meeting the needs of those around her—spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
She led the women of the Interdenominational Church’s quilt group, lovingly crafting and delivering layettes to new mothers at the Regional Hospital. With her skilled hands, she also knitted baby clothes and hats for children of all ages. Whether funding bus transportation for medical trips or personally leading shopping and hospital visits to Guadalajara for those in need, Vera was always finding ways to serve.
She wasn’t just a helper—she was a connector. When she walked through the streets of Puerto Vallarta, locals would cross the street just to speak with her. She was known and loved by both Mexican families and expats alike, often supporting them quietly behind the scenes. Vera never hesitated to share what she had—whether it was a warm meal from her own kitchen, a much-needed blanket, a bus ticket, or a heartfelt prayer.
As a Christian missionary, she carried her Bible close and her faith even closer. She prayed with people, blessed them, and deeply understood the message she lived out daily. When asked why she chose Puerto Vallarta as her home, she would respond in her firm, unforgettable voice, sometimes with a smile, sometimes with a fierce conviction—
“Because of the great need,” or simply, “I thought I could help!”
Those few words said everything about who she was.
Vera was highly educated, well-traveled, and deeply respected. She not only guided tourists on shopping trips to Guadalajara but hosted dozens of Holy Land tours through Israel, enriching countless lives through her stories and insight. Despite being “set in her ways,” she remained a well-informed community figure, reading every local newspaper cover to cover and often serving as the go-to source for advice, referrals, and support.
She enjoyed attending First Baptist Church downtown—both for Sunday services and Tuesday morning Bible study.
She had more “godchildren” than anyone could count—many from families she had helped across generations, who returned to visit her out of deep gratitude and love.
Vera gave her life to lifting others. Her legacy is not just in what she did—but in the countless hearts she touched and the lives she forever changed.
Vera started the annual “Christmas at The Dump” event and for approximately 20 years headed the distribution of a multitude of provisions, clothing, toys, blankets and more to hundreds of families on Christmas Day. What once started with a few has grew to over 4000 people waiting in line.
Links for videos on YouTube are listed below. They show this massive annual project in action! Vera took great joy in personally overseeing the distribution of more than 600 chicken dinners and hundreds of blankets—given out year after year on Christmas Day!
2012: Vera appears in the video several times, including at 3:02
2011:Vera appears in the video several times, including at 4:40
A Facebook post by a volunteer dated December 10, 2017 states: “For the 14th year my family has given a Christmas to the poorest families of Puerto Vallarta. What once started with a few has grown to over 4000 people waiting for what we have to give on Christmas Day. We purchase over 800 cooked chickens, 2500 kilos of rice and beans, 1000 bags of candy, 1000 toiletry bags, 1000 toys or more, clothes for men, women, girls and boys. The list goes on! it’s takes over 40 vehicles of manpower and two months to organize.”
For years, Vera lived high above the La Siesta Hotel—perched atop a steep hill so challenging that most vehicles couldn’t even make the climb. But Vera could. She built close relationships with a handful of trusted taxi drivers who knew how to get her up and down safely, helping her continue the work she loved.
Vera was incredibly strong—both in body and spirit. Her grit, stamina, and unshakable determination became legendary. Many believe that years of climbing that hill helped shape her vitality and contributed to her remarkable longevity. She carried a quiet wisdom, paired with a “can-do, no-nonsense” attitude that made her unforgettable.
She lived independently—resourceful and sharp—remaining in relatively good health well past her 99th birthday, even making her annual trip up to Washington in the U.S. Remarkably, she never needed glasses; her vision was perfect! Many witnessed her effortlessly reading the fine print of her Bible, a quiet testament to her vitality and clarity in more ways than one.
In her final years, though because of her age her work became limited, Vera never slowed down. She found a way to collect and lovingly hand out eyeglasses to those in need and, during the pandemic, discreetly slipped cash through a hole in her front door so struggling mothers could feed their children. Her legacy of love, humility, and relentless generosity lives on in the thousands of lives she touched.
In 2022, a group of longtime friends and volunteers formed “Vera’s Care Team”—a beautiful gesture to care for the woman who had spent decades caring for others. After a lifetime of selfless giving, it was her turn to be surrounded by love and support.
In early 2023, to commemorate her life’s work and ensure Vera’s legacy of kindness lives on, a beautiful tile plaque honoring her was installed in Puerto Vallarta’s iconic Tile Park. (Parque Lazaro Cardenza en Centro)
The plaque lovingly describes Vera as “PV’s Very Own Angel,” and she was honored to select her favorite scripture to be featured in the design. She was absolutely thrilled to see the finished artwork in person—a moment that brought her immense joy. (Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”) (Photo attached.)
With her signature wit, she laughed and said, “I didn’t think I’d live to see it completed!”—a moment that perfectly captured her joy, faith, and humor all at once. (Vera’s plaque artwork is attached and is located on the bench at the VERY South & West corner of the park. It is near the stairs to the lower level and at the corner of the stage)
Following a broken arm in the winter of 2024, Vera was moved to the Vida Serena residence for full-time care. Over the months that followed, her health gradually declined. Then on May 17th, she suffered a stroke, leaving her weak and struggling to communicate. It was a tender and difficult time, but she remained wrapped in the same love and devotion she had so generously given to others all her life. The staff at Vida Serena were gracious, even with their strict visiting hours—because in Vera’s final days, a record-breaking number of visitors came to sit with her, love on her, and say goodbye. It was more than any guest there had ever received… but no one was surprised. After all, Vera had spent over 60 years touching countless lives with her heart, her hands, and her unwavering compassion.
On June 1st, just one month before her 100th birthday, Vera peacefully went home to be with the Lord she had faithfully served and deeply loved throughout her life. What was to be a milestone birthday celebration on July 8th has now become something even more meaningful—a beautiful tribute to her extraordinary life, her enduring legacy, and the immeasurable kindness and compassion she poured into the lives of so many.
If Vera touched your life and you’d like to honor her memory, please join us for a heartfelt celebration of her life.
Together, with others who loved her deeply, we’ll gather to share stories, gratitude, and respect on July 8th at 2 PM at Vera’s beloved Hotel Rosita Restaurant—a place that held so many of her favorite memories.
Testimonials
What follows is an inspiring reflection from Vera’s dear friend, Roz Cuthbert.
A tale of privileged cruelty and healing redemption:
I met my friend Vera decades ago but always was surprised at new discoveries of her compassion.
Here is one I hold especially dear.
Some years back I was in Vallarta with a friend, I wanted to show her Mismaloya and mentioned it in passing over coffee with Vera. Vera asked if she could come along with us as it had been so long since she had been there, of course we were delighted to have her along. Vera wanted to sit at a particular beach restaurant owned by a friend, it was lovely and soon a very old waiter came to serve us, when he saw Vera it was instantaneous joy and hugs, this gentleman was very old probably in his eighties. Vera split her lunch with him and they had a long visit between his waiting on other guests. After looking at him I realized I had met him at least 20 years prior at a restaurant in old town Vallarta, while out for lunch with Vera and that time they also chatted like old friends. At the end of our day at after returning home from Mismaloya I asked Vera about him, hinting at possible past romance, after all she split her lunch with him so something was there. Here is the story she told. She split her lunch with him saying she knew he had not eaten, and then told the story how decades before when he was a young man he worked in a restaurant in Vallarta, Vera would see him often then suddenly he was gone, she ran into him some weeks later and he looked terrible and was as thin as a rail, he was sleeping under a bridge, he told her one day a big yacht from the states arrived full of rich looking people, they came to the restaurant, ate and drank all day, they spent so much the bill was close to a thousand dollars, the young waiter worked extremely hard to make sure they were happy, hoping for a tip of some substance at the end of the day, unfortunately what happened is the tourist did a dine and dash, probably thinking it was a hilarious lark, before the young waiter knew it they were gone away on their yacht. The young waiter could never pay the bill and was fired, not only fired but black balled from working in any place in all of Vallarta, Vallarta was a lot smaller then and word travelled fast. On hearing this Vera went to many restaurants and begged for a job for the young man, saying she would guarantee his honesty and be responsible for him, finally a restaurant knowing Vera well, accepted the young waiter and gave him a job. The young man never let Vera down or got caught out again by anyone, he told Vera she saved his life and he never forgot that kindness. That was Vera, moving mountains in the quietest of ways. I hope you enjoy knowing this story, so many kindnesses untold.
Vera’s unwavering love and support left such a profound impact on one grateful family, they became lifelong friends—and named their daughter Vera, in her honor.
What follows is a moving tribute from that daughter, Vera Velderrain, written in honor of the woman who forever changed her family’s life.
Una mujer con un buen corazón, le gustaba ayudar a la gente, muy conocida por apoyar a quien más lo necesitaba es una persona extraordinaria, conocí a mi madre hace 37 años en un restaurante, tenía una buena conexión de amistad y nunca se separó hace 28 años, cuando nací, me dio la mejor herencia, su nombre, quería que me llamara tal cual ella, me
Encanta mi nombre, amo mi nombre, fue madrina de mi bautizo, siempre pensó en mi familia, recuerdo que nos encantaba ir a la playa con ella llamada ala playa manzanilla, nos llevaba muy a menudo todos los fines de semana, le gustaba visitarnos, para tener algunas conversaciones, tejimos mientras hablábamos, a ella le encantaba comer unas quesadillas de birria y dijo que era mexicana, recuerdo cada visita a su casa, nos recibió con un vaso de helado y chocolate, me dejó muchas enseñanzas, gracias a mi madrina conocimos muy buenos amigos, personas muy especiales en nuestras vidas, mi madrina fue y será una persona importante en nuestras vidas, hubo muchos momentos hermosos, siempre te recordaremos con mucho cariño. Gracias, madrina, por entrar en nuestras vidas.
Eras una mujer inspiradora. Gracias por todas las enseñanzas en la vida. Gracias por el amor y el apoyo que nos diste.
A Message from the Co-Founder of PV’s New Beginnings Ministry: Honoring Vera’s Impact and Legacy
Vera has been involved in many things with many people over many years.
Vera had a personality that you don’t forget. She also had a heart that you don’t forget. She inspired many people.
She was such a good example of how Jesus would treat people…
I just remember taking her from chicken place to chicken place so she could gather 500 chicken dinners for the families that came to the dump on Christmas Day…that taught me not to think small…not to limit God.
I appreciated Vera very much. PV will miss her for many reasons.
New Beginnings is a Christian organization that exists to support families and transform communities through education, physical, social, health and spiritual programs and income generating programs.
A Message from 16-year-old Layla—The Daughter of a Once-Homeless Mother Whose Life Vera Transformed
I’m Layla. I wanted to express myself better with a poem.
A whisper in the wind, the emptiness in the heart, the absence of a smile, a pain that is never forgotten. But in the pain, we find strength to remember and honor their memory. In every tear, a smile, in every memory, a love that endures.
A Message of Love and Gratitude from a Mother Forever Changed by Vera
Recuerdo a vera la conocí en la iglesia junto a mis niños en aquel tiempo mi Jonathan con parálisis cerebral no comía solo en Loque yo me alimentaba de la palabra de Dios vera alimentaba a mi Jonathan desde ese momento el vínculo se fue fortaleciendo asta que mi familia fue vera quien alludo en mi hogar escuela de mis hijos realmente no se que allá sido de mi vida si ella no allá cruzado en nuestras vidas yo no estaría con vida sufría de violencia otra familiar me quitaron la casa en donde ella alludo para que mi Jonathan tuviera mejor vida me desalojaron al morir la abuela de mis hijos dure días en el parque durmiendo no quería que vera se enterara tenía mucha tristeza me sentía culpable por confiar pero ella siempre me buscó en mi hogar donde ella ni mi madre iso nada cuando estaba yo muriendo de tristeza vera me buscó y fortaleció me dijo busca dos trabajos y sal a delante tu puedes lucha para sacar adelante a tus hijos gracias a ella que estuvo a mi lado mi familia siempre preo cupada por nosotros no pude contarle el verla como le afectaba tanto el sufrimiento de mi familia se ponía muy mal vera por eso no podía contestar todo sobre mi salud y enfermedad… Conocí a vera también en el basurero ella y sus amigos daban comida a los trabajadores del basurero y en navidad hay repartía juguetes para nuestros hijos.
Walking in Her Footsteps: Shari Fitzpatrick’s Story of Meeting Vera
I was called “Little Vera” for most of my childhood and young adult life. My maternal Grannie Vera and I were like two peas in a pod—both full of fun, a little wild and feisty, and also connected through our shared love of beautiful jewelry, particularly pearls. My mom says I’m the spitting image of Grannie’s sister Sophie. I lost Grannie long ago when she was 93—I miss her terribly.
Many years later, while scrolling on the internet late one night, I stumbled upon a story that shook me: children living near the dump in Puerto Vallarta, surviving by scavenging. I was stunned. Puerto Vallarta had always been one of my favorite vacation spots—how had I never seen this side of it?
Three weeks later, I was on a plane for a discovery trip.
Before I even left home, I sent out countless messages trying to confirm if what I had read was true—and if anyone was helping these children. A local pastor answered one of my emails the night before I left and agreed to meet with me. I landed on a Monday night, my suitcases and boxes packed with enough gifts for 100 kids… but I had no idea how or where I’d distribute them.
The next morning, I met the pastor at a church in downtown PV. He told me, “Yes, there’s a woman here who helps those children. She usually attends Tuesday morning Bible study.” Then he smiled and said, “Actually, Vera is here. Let me go get her.”
My knees nearly buckled.
Out walked a feisty 93-year-old woman, wearing a pearl necklace—and for a moment, I felt like my Grannie had come back to life. We sat on a nearby bench and, without hesitation, she started grilling me like an army sergeant. As it turned out she never returned to the study—because when she heard why I was there, everything changed.
We jumped in a cab together. She gave the driver a list of stops, and off we went. At the grocery store she told him not to leave and barked out more instructions: I was to grab EXACT sandwich supplies while she picked up other provisions. Then we headed out to the old dump, down a dusty road, past crumbling cement structures that families actually lived in. I’ll never forget the image of a skeletal dog lying in the gutter, ribs exposed, barely breathing. Only my time as a scared teenage exchange student during a trip to the slums in the Philippines had prepared me for that kind of heartbreak.
Vera marched right out of the taxi, calling for a local woman she had once helped by adding a second floor to her in-laws home there. A few years later, I had the honor of helping furnish a new house that Vera had built for her and her children in another location. We spent hundreds at Walmart—filling two baskets to the brim with home essentials, food, propane, towels and even some décor to make it functional and feeling like home. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
Later that same day, we drove to another nearby area gripped by even more poverty—rows of makeshift homes built from pallets and tarpaper. Still unsure how we’d find 100 children, I hesitated. But Vera wasn’t worried. She told the driver to pop the trunk and confidently said, “Don’t worry. They’ll come.”
Within minutes, a couple of kids wandered by. She called to them in Spanish. Moments later, more appeared. And somehow—without phones, flyers, or fanfare—dozens of children came running. In less than 10 minutes, we handed out every gift. Vera, in her tough-love way, kept them in line: “Only ONE!” she warned firmly, her sharp tone softened by the twinkle in her eye.
It was magical. One of the most joy-filled days of my life.
For the past seven years, Vera has mentored me as I’ve grown what I now call my life’s passion project: BoysandBerries.com—a heartfelt effort to support children and families living in extreme poverty outside the dumps of Puerto Vallarta. Beautiful families, full of hope, just needing a leg up. We can’t help everyone, but for the ones we do, it makes all the difference.
When Vera had her stroke, I was notified immediately. I made sure she was told how much she means to me—and that I promised to carry her legacy forward. And I will. With all my heart.
More testimonials are available on Vera’s Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/vera.faulk.50
