ROCKPORT — Veronica G. Abbott-Wheat, age 89, of Rockport, passed away September 3, 2022, at Quarry Hill in Camden.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Veronica was the daughter of emigrant parents, Angelo and Serafina (Llorett) Gigante. Her father was born in Naples, Italy and her mother was born in Spain. Growing up as a first generation American, Veronica learned from her parents at an early age, life takes curiosity and discipline. It was that same drive that molded her into the artist she became.

In New York, Veronica gained a national reputation while maintaining a studio/gallery in Northport, New York. While creating papier-mâché figures and gouache nature paintings for NYC department stores, she also worked as a freelance colorist. She also designed a unique jewelry line called Ecologia, using found objects. Veronica was known to “feel full of appreciation for what [she sees] around [her].”

Veronica and her husband, Eugene “Bruce” Wheat moved to Maine in 1975. They made their home in Rockport until his passing in 1992. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church in Camden.

She was known to always be creating something. Give her a handful of hard junk items, and it was assembled by her hand to have balance, life, color, and artistic intimacy. She went to great lengths to make an art piece work for a virtual, visual experience. Ultimately, Veronica was a creator of multimedia contemporary art. Her primary language was “creativity.” Which she willingly shared with others.

Veronica is survived by a dear friend, Kim Sheff, and her husband Peter, of Marianna, Florida.

In remembrance of Veronica’s birthday and the anniversary of when Bruce was laid to rest, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held April 13, 2023 at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. Further details will be announced at a later date.

To share a memory or condolence with Veronica’s family. Please visit their Book of Memories at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

Arrangements are by Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Camden, Maine.