VERNA VAN ROON

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VERNA VAN ROON Peacefully, on Thursday, February 10, 2011, at Charleswood Care Home at 90 years of age, remaining at her home, of 64 years, until the final months of her life, with the loving support of her husband, Len and supportive family and friends. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Len Van Roon, children Norah, Dorothy, Len and Eric, and their families: Milos, (Michael, Robert), Warren, (Chris (Brenda), Geoffrey (Traci)), (Nic, Sam and their mother Viviane), Noreen, (Aziza, Erica), Sharon, (Kristy, April), and by five great-grandchildren. Verna's greatest accomplishments were the unheralded day to day support for her church, community, family and friends, neighbours and often strangers in need. Verna's single greatest accomplishment may have been just being the person who she was, supporting people with her non-judgmental character, her gentle yet sometimes surprisingly feisty nature, and a spiritual strength that was truly built on a foundation of rock. Verna's early married life was very full with family and with farm work. When the family and farm commitments ebbed, Verna immersed herself in helping in the community. Whether leading United Church Sunday School, playground leaders for Charleswood Recreation, or working for a dozen years as a school board member, Verna always worked WITH others involving everyone in working for the good of the group. The family is so proud of Verna's principle role in establishing the lasting legacies of the War Memorial recognizing the 19 Charleswood veterans who lost their lives serving their country, Assiniboine Forest, the Wellington Crescent bike path, Caron House, the Charleswood Museum. Verna received the Governor General's Caring Canadian award in recognition of outstanding and selfless contribution to community and to Canada . Just a few examples of these contributions were her work with Brownies, Meals on Wheels, and the Charleswood Historical Society. Verna has been recognized (jointly with husband Len) with the dedications at the Charleswood Museum and Van Roon Gardens along the Harte Trail. The dedications speak not of the importance of the person but the importance of the cause and the community of which Verna AND Len cared so deeply. They created a book Photos and Fragments of Charleswood History celebrating Charleswood's early years and early pioneers, and toured many school classrooms for years, carrying to the children slide presentations of the local history and a trunk full of hands on artifacts to play with! We celebrate the sunset of a life that has touched so many in and beyond family and community. We celebrate this life and the love exemplified by Verna and Len for each other and for their community. Verna will be missed by her family, church, and community but her work and her example will live on, grow and continue to inspire us and make us smile. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2 or on-line at www.alzheimer.mb.ca. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd. NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2011