VERNA ELIZABETH LERCHE MENZIES (JENSEN)

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VERNA ELIZABETH LERCHE MENZIES (nee JENSEN) On September 2, 2008, after a lengthy illness, Verna passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jim; by her sons Ian (Penny) of Foxwarren, Bill (Eleanor) of Winnipeg, Gordon (Lisa) of Winnipeg, and Peter of Dawson City, Yukon; and by her grandchildren Karl (Sheola) of Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, and Allyson and Kara of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Verna was born in Carman, Manitoba, in 1920, the third of four children of Einar and Anna Jensen, who had immigrated to Canada from Denmark several years earlier. She was the last surviving member of that family, predeceased by her brothers Oscar (died in action in 1942 during the Second World War), Peter in 1961, and Sven this past July, and by her mother in 1954 and by her father in 1967. After graduating from high school in Carman, she took her nursing training at Dauphin Hospital, qualifying as a registered nurse in 1943. Following the end of the Second World War, she and Jim were married in 1946 and then settled in Crystal City where Jim, with much support and assistance from Verna, started the Crystal City Pharmacy from which he retired in 1987. Verna was very active in the community throughout her life. While she and Jim raised their four sons, she volunteered with various service organizations and church groups, taught Sunday School, and sang in the United Church choir. In 1970, she re-entered the workforce and served as a Public Health Nurse in the area for many years. In the 1970s, Verna helped established with other women in the community a group that met regularly to discuss and act on women's issues, current affairs, politics, and community development, both locally and in the developing world. This group attracted women of all ages and interests, and Verna developed very strong friendships with them and others that lasted throughout her life. Verna loved to play bridge and was a passionate weaver. The countless weavings she made into wall-hangings, table runners, placemats, and garments gave her much satisfaction and always ended up being appreciatively received as gifts by her family and by her many friends. She also valued the family time she spent each summer at the cottage at Rock Lake, watching her sons, not without some motherly worry, learn how to swim, paddle a canoe, and appreciate the outdoors. Proud of her Danish background, Verna was a fabulous cook, and correctly surmised that the most appropriate place to impart her Scandinavian heritage to her growing boys was at the dinner table. Such dishes as frikadeller, red cabbage, and the occasional goose for Christmas dinner, always served on her Danish china, were unfailingly relished by her family and dinner guests. Her gingersnaps and pastries were also out of this world! Verna was a wonderful mother, a loving and supportive partner to Jim, and a loyal and faithful friend to all who knew her. While she will be missed by all of us, we can be comforted that she is now at peace. A celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2008 in the Crystal City United Church. Graham's Funeral Service of Pilot Mound in care of arrangements (telephone 204-825-2848). The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the compassionate care provided to Verna by physicians, nurses, and staff at Rock Lake Personal Care Home in Pilot Mound, Rock Lake Hospital in Crystal City, Swan Lake Hospital, and Boundary Trails Hospital during the past several years, and to Verna's many friends that made regular visits to support her and Dad. In particular, Dad's ongoing devotion to Mom during her years of failing health provided much needed strength and support to our family during this time. Thank you, Dad, from all of us. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Verna's memory to the Parkinson Society of Canada, Plan Canada (Foster Parents Plan), or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 06, 2008