Veronica R. Kitchen, 49, accountant

Veronica R. Kitchen, 49, an accountant and daughter of Pennsylvania State Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D., Phila.), died Monday, Jan. 17, of complications of hypertension at her home in Upper Marlboro, Md.

"My family and I are heartbroken, but we are comforted by the fact that she led a tremendous life and accomplished so much," said Sen. Kitchen, who represents the Third District.

Veronica Kitchen grew up in North Philadelphia and graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Drexel University.

She was a staff accountant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She began her 30-year career with the federal government at age 19, working at the U.S. Mint after her freshman year at Drexel.

A certified public accountant, Ms. Kitchen had been with the Office of Management and Budget in Washington, was on the White House accounting staff for more than three years, and was an accountant with the Treasury Department. She also taught fiscal management classes across the country.

Ms. Kitchen received several commendations over the years, including an award from HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros.

"She worked very hard throughout her career and often talked about the challenges facing women, in particular women of color," her mother said. "Veronica was a fighter. Although she faced difficult trials at times, she was never one to quit."

She said she planned to create a Veronica R. Kitchen Foundation to help educate women as they move the ranks of the business world.

Ms. Kitchen enjoyed reading and watching Jeopardy!, and was a fan of Washington Redskins football and Wizards basketball.

She cherished time spent with her godchildren, Markeda and Mark Tymes, her family said, and had taken Mark to the White House Easter Egg Roll.

In addition to her mother, Ms. Kitchen is survived by brothers Dwayne and Henry, and a sister, Shantelle.

Funeral services are private.