Vera A. Marshall, 79, formerly of Allentown, died May 10, 2013, in the home of her daughter, Beth A. Joseph, with whom she resided.

She was the widow of Darwin "Buddy" Marshall.

Born in Northampton, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Grace (Kovach) Mikylychak.

After graduation from Parkland High School, she was employed at Western Electric, Allentown.

Her love of flowers and gardening led her to own and operate the former Marshall's Green House, Cherryville.

After that, she owned the former Bag of Flowers, Egypt ,and later in Orefield.

Most recently, she was employed at Hills Import, Quakertown.

She studied at Flemish Fortnight Master Design School in Maastricht, The Netherlands.

While there, she had one of the most memorable experiences of her life, she danced a waltz with His Highness Prince De Ligne, Jr., who was heir to the throne of Brussels.

She studied formally at Pansy Phlum School of floral design, Miami, Fla. She also attended classes in Korea and Japan.

She and a fellow designer were invited to the American Floral Services Convention, Las Vegas, Nev.

From all the floral designers, they were the only two chosen to instruct and contribute to the overall organization of the convention. She was a member of the American Institute of Floral Design and Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield.

In addition to her daughter, Beth A. Joseph, she is survived by sisters Dorothy, wife of David Diehl, and Carol, wife of Michael Martin, all of Allentown, and Grace, wife of Gilbert Keller, of Macungie; granddaughters Ashley, wife of Geoff Keller, of Bridgeport, Conn. and Emilee Joseph of Philadelphia; nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother Richard Mikylychak and sister Eleanor Reimert.

Contributions may be made to Forgotten Felines and Fidos Inc., 6022 Mountain Road, Germansville, PA 18053 or to At Home Health Services and Hospice Care, 4030 William Penn Highway, Easton, PA 18045.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were made by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., Fogelsville.