VERIAN LAWSON

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VERIAN LAWSON Thelma Verian Lawson (nee Baylis) born February 23, 1923 in Montreal, passed away suddenly December 18, 2005 in Kamloops. Verian's final days were spent happily planning a Christmas trip to see her family in Winnipeg and Minneapolis. On the eve of the trip her health deteriorated rapidly with her last hours spent in the loving care of her son Glenn and daughter-in-law Denise. She was a very caring woman; a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose thoughtfulness touched everyone who had the good fortune of meeting her. Verian was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Arthur; her sisters, Alma and Beverley and brothers, Lloyd, Kenneth, Bruce and Irvin. She is survived by her daughter Candice (Daryl), sons, Glenn (Denise), Drew (Laurel), Curtis (Linda) and Dwayne (Nita); 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Doreen, Joyce and Gloria; and brothers, Chesley and Victor. On June 30, 1945, Verian married Arthur Lawson, shortly after he returned from active service with the R.C.A.F. Arthur was a family friend whom she had met years earlier, and when meeting him again, realized he would be the love of her life. The roles of devoted wife, caring mother and homemaker were Mom's true calling and she took to the responsibilities of each with eagerness, commitment and a natural ability. She learned the joy of being around children early in life, helping her mother care for most of her 11 siblings. It was a pleasure she never tired of, and treasured renewing throughout her life with each child, grandchild and great-grandchild. She valued her relationships with family and friends; always sending out the perfect cards and letters and comforting friends in times of need. She also found time to be involved with the United Church and was active in the congregations she belonged to in Winnipeg, Montreal and Chase, BC. Verian loved to travel and knit and filled her retirement years doing both, becoming a world traveller and world class knitter. Her last eight years were spent in Chase, where she enjoyed the friendship of neighbours, the members of St. Andrews and All Saints Church, the OAPO and the Royal Canadian Legion. Verian never fully recovered from the loss of her husband and best friend, Arthur, who passed away last year. We are comforted by Mom's faith, knowing she has now gone to join Dad and God in heaven. We will always love her and miss her. A memorial service for Verian will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 29 at St. Andrews Church, 845 Thompson Ave., Chase, BC followed by a light lunch in the church hall. Verian believed in the power of knowledge and felt strongly that giving people an opportunity to have an education was important. In lieu of flowers, the Lawson family would like to invite you to remember Verian by donating to World Vision Canada Supply a Classroom or related programs. Phone: 1-866-595-5550; Web Site: www.worldvision.ca, Email: info@worldvision.ca; Mail: World Vision Canada, 1 World Dr., Mississauga, ON L5T 2Y4 and The United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund. Phone: 1-416-231-5931 ext. 2026; Web Site: www.united-church.ca, Email: ms@united-church.ca, Mail: The United Church of Canada, 3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300, Mission and Service Fund, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4 or through your local United Church.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 24, 2005