Vera Garay (originally named Vera Grossman) was born November 5, 1927 in Hungary. She attended primary and secondary school until 1944, at which time she, her mother, and her younger brother were sent to Auschwitz. Vera was the only survivor; her father and other brother died on the front lines. By the end of the war, Vera was just 18 years old.

In 1947, she emigrated to Israel and was sent to Cyprus to learn languages. In 1948, she returned to Israel where she joined the army and worked as a secretary, later transitioning to a role as a foreign correspondent.

In 1959, Vera came to New York to join another part of her family, most of whom had come to the US after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. She became an American citizen and lived in New York City for the rest of her life.

Vera was fluent in several languages and had a successful career in the import-export business. She was an avid reader, loved the arts, and often visited museums and performances, especially the opera.

Vera Garay never married, but late in life, she found a devoted partner with whom she traveled frequently. Vera was a glamorous, spirited, smart, curious, independent, and confident woman of many opinions that she did not hesitate sharing. She died in her New York City apartment a week before her 95th birthday.