VERNA DUNSTONE

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VERNA DUNSTONE Peacefully, with family by her side, on Monday, May 17, 2010 Verna Catherine Dunstone passed away at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the age of 94 years. Mum suffered a stroke on May 8, but until then made the most of every day. Mum will be sadly missed by her daughter Barbara Wicks (Gord); sons Jim (Carol) and Bill; grandchildren Terry Acland (Andrew), Don Wicks (Stephanie), Debbie Tackaberry (Warren), Wendy Pearson (Vance) and Dean Dunstone; great-grandchildren Matthew and Jack Dunstone, David Acland, Riley Tackaberry and Kalli and Cody Pearson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Bea Dunstone, dear friend Betty Bishop who was by her side through thick and thin, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Art in 1994; brothers Jim Henning in 1937 and Clark Henning in 1967. Mum was born April 26, 1916 in Winnipeg, MB to Vera and Arthur Henning. We are sure she came into this world with a smile on her face because that is certainly how she lived her entire life, always looking for the good in everyone, never judging, just accepting all and everything. On September 9, 1939 Mum married Arthur James Dunstone. In 1947, they moved to the family home on Kingston Row where they resided for 42 happy years. A lot of great memories were made in that old house which will leave all of us with a lifetime of stories and of course, laughter as we recount those stories time and time again. In her younger years Mum excelled in golf and track and field, winning the Tribune trophy in 1934, emblematic of the Manitoba Open Ladies Golf Championship. She was the Winnipeg Canoe Club Women's Club Champion in both 1933 and 1934. She also became a life member of the Canoe Club in later years. She was a longtime member of the St. Vital Y where she enjoyed playing badminton and eventually took on the job as the bookkeeper for the Y working there for over twenty years. Mum was both an avid curling and Blue Bomber fan, but above all loved following her children, grandchildren and great-grand-children in their own sporting endeavors. She was so proud of her family. In Mum's later years, she resided at the Waverley Retirement Residence where she made many new friends as well as becoming reacquainted with old friends who all quickly learned that their friend Verna would never pass up an opportunity for a game of bridge. Mum, we will miss your easygoing demeanor and unconditional love and support you gave to all of us. Grandma, we are grateful to have had you for a good part of our adult lives and your passing will leave a huge void for all of us. Our children were so fortunate to get to know you and love you like we did. In keeping with Mum's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will follow at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at the Victoria Hospital for their kindness and care extended to Mum and the family. A special thanks to Dr. Robyn Olson who has always attended to Mum with much compassion and respect. In lieu of flowers donations in Mum's memory may be made to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation, 2340 Pembina Highway, R3T 2E8.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 19, 2010