VERA JURAS

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

• What a wonderful women and what a sad loss. I've known Vera ever since (as Vera would say) I was a pup! We met in 1990 whilst working at Delaware North in Sydney and became lifelong friends. Vera was witty, funny and above all selfless, even in the face of adversity and suffering. I miss our annual chats and phone calls and endless advice :) and I think of her often. Last year was the first time in 25 years of knowing her that I did not hear Vera's wonderful voice. My thoughts are with her family, both in Canada and here in Australia, she absolutely adored her three boys Kevin, Sam and Jesse who were a feature of almost every conversation. Rest in Peace Vera XXOOXX - Posted by: David Hackshall (Friend) on: Mar 11, 2015

• We had the pleasure of knowing Vera both as a patient and as a friend, We also had the pain of making her diagnosis of her final illness and helping through the Australian side of that story. We truly miss her and her unique and wonderful sense of humour, that Russian side of her so strong in the Vera we knew. Our condolences go to her family her step children we met and her father. As per her wishes when she left Australia we have had no contact and we have only just become aware of her passing, RIP Vera. Alex and Marlies - Posted by: Alex and Marlies Dowland (family doctor in Brisbane, Australia) on: Aug 02, 2014

• My condolences to the family and friends of Vera. Vera and I met in 1976 in Trois Rivieres, Quebec. We became fast friends (she was always looking out for me). We continued to write to each other, and I even visited the Juras family in Winnipeg. Vera attended my wedding in 1986 in Vancouver. We continued to write until she moved to Australia. I tried to Google her, to no avail. This time, it was to find this sad announcement. I will always remember our short but wonderful friendship, and all the laughs we had. She was a truly special person. - Posted by: Anne (Marshall) Lum (long lost friend) on: Jul 21, 2014

• I am so very sorry for my late condolences to Vera's family, but I only just found out about Vera's passing. Although I did not know Vera for long we did have a very special bond. I first meet Vera when I was helping her clear her house out and pack up her things to head back to her Father in Canada. I could tell she was a very strong and special lady as we would sit there together with a cup of tea talking about our lives, she would tell me about her early days in Canada and the holidays she had with her parents and the pleasure that her three boys gave. She also spent her last few days in Australia in my house with my family, she had a lot of laughs and love from my Grandchildren how still talk and ask about her. My two your Grandsons called her Yahyah which she loved. I will miss your voice on the other end of my phone but you are at peace and pain free my sister(as she would call me). My love and thoughts are with her Father and family. We will miss you but we will meet again one day, Vera so keep the kettle on as we have a lot cups of tea to catch up on. - Posted by: Nita Nicholas (Friend) on: Jun 18, 2014

• My two brothers and I have been lucky enough to have the beautiful Vera as our second Mum for the past twenty years. When we were young she was as youthful at heart and energetic as we were - we would play games together and watch cartoons of a weekend. When we were scared she would comfort us, when we were sad she would make us laugh. She gave up so much of her time and hard earned money raising the three of us without a complaint, simply because she loved us and we needed her. As we've gotten 'big enough and ugly enough to look after ourselves' as she would have joked, nothing has really changed. Despite incredible personal hardship Vera has always been our rock - putting aside her own worries to remain strong for us. Always selflessly cheerful and optimistic in the face of adversity, and what incredible victories she had in her battles with cancer. Amongst the achievements of which she'd be most proud, would be raising 3 boys who were not born her own, to grow up happy, healthy and feeling loved. I'll miss the phone calls 'just to let you know I was thinking about you', where she jokes around to make me laugh, where she might eventually reluctantly let on that she was going through incredibly difficult times, with which she did not want to burden us. When her grandkids come into the world they will be told proudly about their beautiful Canadian Grandma, and as part of her enduring legacy we will make sure they feel as happy, safe and loved as she has always made us feel. And she will be there watching the cartoons with us all of a Sunday morning, laughing with us from up above. - Posted by: Kevin Joseph (Son) on: May 07, 2014

• Last year Joe was so excited for us to meet his daughter Vera. I am truly sorry our friendship has been cut short. She made such a difference for her father. We met Joe and Irene 13 yrs ago when we moved into the neighbourhood and their love of animals was quite evident as they quickly became our dog's grandparents Joe would run into the house to get treats. Their yard was always open to sit and have a chat. Vera and I had many similar experiences as I too had lived in Australia. I wish I could have gotten to know her better. I am so glad that I got to spend special time with her Dad. I imagine they didn't always agree, she had a feisty spirit but never was there a time when Tim walked by that she said "give my love to Patti. When we walk by now and see only one chair we will think of her and how brave she was beating the odds for so long. Rest well, friend. - Posted by: Patti Douglas and Tim Wieler (Neighbours) on: May 06, 2014

• I became online friends with Vera several years ago. I live in Sydney, Australia and she was a frequent customer on my ebay store. We often chatted on the phone and shared stories of our family and fashion. She was a wonderful sounding board when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. I only met her once in person, at the airport in Sydney when she was on the way back to Canada. We certainly were best friends...you're out of pain now, Vera..I'll really miss our chats. I hope the ebay store where you are is as good as mine in accommodating your style. Lots of love!! - Posted by: sue campbell (Online friend through ebay.) on: May 05, 2014

• Our condolences to the Juras Family. We are deeply saddened to here of Vera's passing at such a young age. We have wonderfully fond memories of Vera and our boys. She gave love and was a loved sister, and godmother to our son Adam. Vera's big heart was very giving, whether it was a drop by visit or special time in someone's life... Vera, till we meet again, Cliff and Gina - Posted by: Cliff, Gina, Mike, Adam Bebber (Brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephews.) on: May 05, 2014

• Over the past year we have got to know Vera quite well. We developed a friendship with Vera through our cleaning services. She has taught us so much, and gave us so much of her love. Vera had an amazing heart, and we will miss her dearly. We love you Vera! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Love Bev and Colleen - Posted by: Beverly and Colleen (Friend) on: May 05, 2014

• It is with sadness that I say goodbye (must say "goodbye" with a very heavy accent). Vera was one-quarter of the Locker Room Quartet. Too many memories to describe. Over the years Vera was always there to talk to even though she lived on the other side of the world. Will very much miss the annual birthday song. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Susan Wardekker (Friend) on: May 05, 2014

• I have fond memories of Vera from the mid-70's at the University of Winnipeg (French Dept.). We took many classes together and I remember her for her "joie de vivre". Her family also welcomed us to their home on more than one occasion. We all went our separate ways after university and became "busy with life". I am saddened to learn of Vera's illness and her passing at such a young age. I know that she will have brought laughter and caring to the lives of many during her life as she did with her 20-year old pals at the U. of W. so many years ago. My deepest sympathy to the Juras family. - Posted by: Terry Borys (Friend from U. of W.) on: May 05, 2014

• I would like to send my condolences to the family. Vera and I attended school together. I have great memories of Stephen and Vera playing their accordians and inspiring me to take lessons. You will forever remain in my heart. Till we meet again. - Posted by: Peggy Leuschen (nee Hobbs) (School Friends) on: May 05, 2014