Vera Bukoweicki Nordt, 89, passed away on August 19, 2013, two days after celebrating her 89th birthday. Born in Berlin in 1924, Vera trained as a bookkeeper and enjoyed using her skills all her life. She married Joachim Nordt on Dec. 21, 1946, and settled with him in Cottbus, a small city near the Polish border where his family had lived for generations. As the East German government tightened its hold, the Nordts spent many months planning and finally executing a plan to escape. Asking only that her husband not take her to a small town, Vera arrived in Chicago knowing no English but quickly became proficient. The Nordts lived in Deerfield, a Chicago suburb, for more than 40 years, making many friends who will never forget them. After her husband passed away in 2006, Vera came to Portland to be near her family. She spent seven happy years at North West Place, where her many friends will miss her sorely. She is survived by her son, Dr. Frank Nordt (Susan Figliulo); granddaughters Dr. Kirsten Nordt and Ingrid Beaver (Brandon), and nephew Dr. Thomas Schwarick (Ute). Those wishing to honor Vera's memory may donate to the Kidney Foundation, www.kidneyorg.