Philadelphia, Jan. 20, 2011 — It is with profound sadness that state Sen. Shirley Kitchen informs the public that her beloved daughter, Veronica R. Kitchen, affectionately known as “Ronnie,” passed away on Monday, Jan. 17.
“My family and I are heartbroken, but we are comforted by the fact that she led a tremendous life and accomplished so much,” Kitchen said. “I am so very proud of her contributions to this world while she was with us.  We were all blessed to have her in our lives.”
 
A dedicated federal employee, Veronica was highly regarded in the financial community.
 
“She worked very hard throughout her career and often talked about the challenges facing women; in particular, women of color,” Kitchen said. “Although she faced difficult trials at times, she was one never to quit. Veronica was a fighter.”
 
Sen. Kitchen will create the Veronica R. Kitchen Foundation to help educated women as they journey through the ranks of the business world.  
“Oftentimes, we make sure that women have a solid education but they are ill-equipped to deal with the challenges they face while climbing the corporate ladder,” said Kitchen. “Ronnie overcame obstacles and I know she would want other women to succeed, too.” 
 
Born in Philadelphia and raised in North Philadelphia, she began her storied career in the federal government at the U.S. Mint at the tender age of 19, after her first year of study at Drexel University. Veronica graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. Despite suffering a serious illness in her senior year, she graduated from Drexel on time.
 
 
She attended the James R. Ludlow Elementary School until the third grade, when she was recommended to attend the Julia R. Masterman Middle School, where she graduated the eighth grade. Veronica was also a proud graduate of the Philadelphia High School for Girls.
 
Veronica also attained a certified public accountant license, and later received certification in government finance management.
 
Although Philadelphia was her hometown, Veronica accepted a position in the nation’s capitol. After living in the District of Columbia for a short time, she later moved to Maryland, eventually making the city of Upper Marlboro her home for the last 21 years.
 
During her 30-year career with the federal government, Veronica served in several prestigious offices, including the Office of Management and Budget, which is responsible for devising and submitting the president’s annual budget proposal to Congress; the White House Accounting Staff for three-and-a-half years under President George W. Bush; and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
 
Veronica rose through the ranks to become a staff accountant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where she remained until her passing.  She received several commendations throughout her career, including an award for outstanding work from former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros.
 
She also taught fiscal management classes across the country, even as far away as Alaska.
 
Veronica was an avid reader and enjoyed biographies as well as non-fiction and fiction. She also cherished spending time with her godchildren and taking her godson to the White House Easter Egg Roll. She had the special privilege to sit in the President’s Box for a performance at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC. 
 
She enjoyed watching her favorite television game show, Jeopardy! and was a fervent sports fan, often attending Washington Redskins football games and Washington Wizards basketball games. Veronica was always up on current issues.
 
Funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers, the Kitchen family kindly asks that supporters contribute to the charity of their choice. Cards and letters are welcome.