VERNA BERTHA WASHNUK

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VERNA BERTHA WASHNUK Peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2007, with family at her side, Verna passed away at the Bethania Personal Care Home at the age of 86 years. Verna will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her daughter Lorraine (Don) Saramaga, son-in-law Dean Bleakney, grand-children Cheryllynn (Denis) Saramaga-Martai, Ryan (Cheri) Saramaga, David (great-grandson Jordan) Bleakney, and Sharon Bleakney. She is also survived by her brother Ed (Luba) Magis of Yorkton, SK, and sisters, Elizabeth (Jarvis) Kischuk of Weslako, TX, and Susan (Don) Meier of Langley, BC. Verna was predeceased by her beloved husband Henry of 63 years in 2004, daughter Shirley in 2003 and brother Joe in 1987. Verna was born on August 6, 1920, to Stephan and Mary Yakimiki at Sifton, Manitoba. She attended school in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and graduated as a Registered Nurse in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in 1941, serving as class valedictorian. Here she married and raised her family, until 1958 when Henry's employment took them back to Manitoba where they resided in Transcona for 47 years. Verna enjoyed many happy times on family camping trips, and later at their cottage at Redditt, Ontario. Henry loved to travel and together they took motor trips across Canada and by air to many exciting places including the Ukraine, Spain and Portugal, Cuba, and the Holy land but Verna was still happiest at home sitting in her sunroom. The most important things in the world to Verna were her husband Henry and daughters, Lorraine and Shirley and when the grand-children came along her love was extended to them. Verna loved to bake and cook, enjoyed knitting and crocheting and sharing a cup of coffee with friends and neighbors in her home. Verna was young at heart, loved to sing, dance, and play her mandolin. She will be fondly remembered for her keen sense of humour, smile, and quick wit. Verna was always ready with a comical remark. Verna's family is grateful for the kindness and loving care shown by the staff of the Bethania Personal Care Home. A memorial service will be held at Bethania Personal Care Home, 1045 Concordia Avenue, on Friday, March 2, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Bill Oakley presiding. If friends so desire, donations in Verna's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society, 10 - 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 28, 2007