Verna DERKSEN

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DERKSEN: Verna Katherine Derksen - May 6, 1942 to October 29, 2011. Verna was born to Daniel and Sarah Balzer in Eyebrow, Saskatchewan. She left usunexpectedly, entering the presence of the Lord at the young age of 69. She spent the last hours of her life exactly how she had lived it, giving her time, warmth, kindness and love to friends. Adventurous Verna left British Columbia in her 20's and moved to Winnipeg with single friends to try something new. She wound up meeting her beloved and faithful husband of 42 years, Peter. They were married at Portage Avenue, Manitoba Church on June 28, 1969. The loves of her life were born a few years later; her son, Steve, in 1975, and her daughter, Lori, soon after in 1976. After spending many happy years farming in Alexander, Peter and Verna decided to move to Brandon, Manitoba. God led them through this challenging time and blessed them entirely through the change. A few years prior to the move, Verna had gone back to work cleaning houses and decided to take an administrative assistant refresher course. After completing the course, she took a part-time position at the family's home church, Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church. About a year later, she started working full-time. To say she loved her work is an understatement. Her work at the church fed her desire to share her faith in God and serve others. Whether it was listening to friends, church members or total strangers share their stories in her office, helping anyone who needed it, baking cookies or making meat and potatoes for families, picking upflowers and shower gifts, or just giving anyone and everyone her beautiful, gorgeous smile, it all gave her joy. In her last few years she really came into her own in ministry, visiting the sick and the lonely in Fairview, Hillcrest and Assiniboine Centre. But she also found another love of her life; the Samaritan's Purse shoebox ministry. Verna's service there gave her joy, purpose and passion. She served with everything she had, physically and emotionally. The highlight was volunteering for a week with her daughter, Lori, the last two years at the distribution centre in Calgary. Although she spread her love and generosity to a lot of individuals, she dedicated as much time as she could to her family. She supported and loved Peter, Steve, Lori, Rhonda, Dawson and Samantha unconditionally. She lit up when she talked of each of her family members. There was nothing she enjoyed more than to spend time with family, especially her grandchildren. She talked to anyone who would listen about how what wonderful grandchildren she had. She was so proud of Steve and Rhonda's accomplishments in their life and family. She had a special closeness with her daughter Lori with the added blessing of tried and true friendship. She loved playing games with family and friends and had a competitive spirit that never ceased to surprise. She valued her friendships and had many that were 50 years long. As a family we are truly blessed to have been given such a special person as wife, mother and grandma and will miss her and honor the legacy she has given us for years to come. Verna leaves to mourn; her husband Peter; son Steve, his wife Rhonda, and grandchildren Dawson and Samantha of Brandon; and daughter Lori of Winnipeg. Verna also leaves to mourn three brothers, three sisters, three brothers-in-law, nine sisters-in-law and many very special nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces and many good friends. A celebration of Verna's life was held at Bethel Christian Assembly on Thursday, November 3. 2011. Her brother John Balzer officiated. Interment was at Alexander Cemetery with a reception following at Richmond Park Mennonite Brethren Church. Samaritan's Purse was close to Verna's heart and the family would appreciate if a contribution or shoebox was donated in her memory. Flowerbearers were grandchildren; Dawson and Samantha Derksen. Pallbearers were John Penner, Rudy Ewert, Len Hiebert, Ken Robinson, Rob Holland and Peter Penner. Honourary Pallbearers were Richard Enns, Scott Dueck, Mary Penner and Dave Martens. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 05, 2011