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VERNA LOUISE HILTON
Born: Dec 18, 1926
Date of Passing: Sep 26, 2021
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VERNA LOUISE HILTON
December 18, 1926 - September 26, 2021
Verna was the second child of seven born to Tilla and Gordon Hilton. Her mother and father predeceased her, as well her sisters, Carol Lawton (1971), Doreen Lindsay (1982) and her brothers, Roy (2000) and Len (2010). Verna leaves to mourn her brothers, Ken in Winnipeg and Ernie (Charlene) in Edmonton. She was a wonderful, caring aunt to her beloved 16 nieces and nephews.
She grew up in an active, boisterous family on Elgin Avenue, attended Daniel McIntyre High School and enjoyed her athletic activities. She started her working life at Peoples Credit Jewelers and was there when they opened their first store in Winnipeg. After many years with this company she moved on to Wehr Air Equipment for two years before becoming an Executive Assistant for Chicago Blower Canada, now known as Northern Blower, before retiring in 1989 after 27 years of exemplary service.
Sports has always played a major part of Verna's life. In her youth she belonged to the Winnipeg Speed Skating Club, a Senior baseball team and enjoyed bowling for many years. She started curling when she young and continued until she was 87. Verna was made an Honorary Life Member of the Thistle Curling Club. In 1983 she joined the Rossmere Country Club and enjoyed golfing and curling with her many friends for many years.
Verna's life was a life well lived with her extended family and lifelong friends. She was independent, competent and accomplished in so many areas. She was a highly skilled seamstress and upholsterer. Her choice of fabrics and attention to detail was amazing. She was also very capable at restoring wood furniture. Verna loved to entertain and would set a beautiful table of fine china and silverware. She was an excellent cook and baker and was known for her delicious lemon tarts.
As the Matriarch of the Hilton family she kept the genealogy information with the connection to the original Hudson Bay Company ancestor from Northern Scotland who worked as Scribe in York Factory in the early 1800s and then settled as a member of the original Selkirk Settlers who married a local Ojibway-Cree woman. Her mother's (Broten) family members were from Norway before settling in North Dakota with her mother Tilla marrying Gordon Hilton in Winnipeg.
Verna will be fondly remembered as the host of the Hilton Family Christmas gathering in her home with a wonderful meal, baked treats and the annual Ring Toss competition. Throughout her life she kept in contact with her grown nieces and nephews who lived near and far...in BC, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Owen Sound, Ottawa and London, England.
Thank you Verna for making so many wonderful memories for your family and friends. You will be missed and will be remembered for your kind and generous soul.
For the past year Verna has been a resident at Extendicare Tuxedo Villa. Her family and friends would like to acknowledge the compassionate care provided by the Unit 1 staff.
A private gathering will take place on Saturday, October 16 at 10:00 a.m. Invitations will be extended to family and friends.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 02, 2021
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Verna was a good friend of my parents, Jean and Fred Nelson. They frequently got together in a close knit group that included Tod and Irene Thurston. Mom and Dad have been gone for many years, but we remember Verna often, even now, when we make “Verna’s ribs”. She kindly gave us the recipe after we so enjoyed the dish that she brought to our family when our dad died. A lovely legacy and a lovely woman. Gentle thoughts to all of her family and friends at this time of loss. Lynn Baker - Posted by: Lynn Baker (Family friend) on: Oct 13, 2021
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I was so sad to hear of Verna’s passing. She was a good Buddy and friend of mine whether we were golfing or on the ice curling for many years. Sincere condolences to her family at this sad time. - Posted by: June Grabowski (Friend) on: Oct 04, 2021
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Condolences to Verna’s family. Reading this tribute of Verna’s life reminds me of times when Verna opened her house on Nairn Ave to the girls in office for a meal or tea and dainties. Her table was meticulously set with fine China and I remember as a 20 something girl repeating to myself don’t break anything as I wasn’t used to this fine dining experience. I admired her taste of beautiful classy clothes which always looked great on her. My last encounter with was when I ran into her at Sears in Kildonan Place 15 or more years ago. She was walking by and I flagged her down by “excuse me, Verna Hilton do you remember me”. With a little thought and some hints from me she remembered. It had been a while since I had left the company (1988) I was amazed she remembered. We had a delightful conversation. I have often thought of her. R.I.P. Verna - Posted by: Pat Rosmus (Co-worker at Chicago Blower/Northern Blower) on: Oct 02, 2021
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My Sincere Sympathy to Verna Hilton's Family and Friends. - Posted by: Thelma Burtnick (Friend of her family ) on: Oct 02, 2021
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A very well written obituary describes her life perfectly. Ray and I always treasured our visits and phone calls with Verna she was always so thankful to see us and chat with us. Even in the past two years when visits were not allowed the phone calls always received a “thank you so much for caring”. I will miss her deeply she was a sweet person. Rest in peace Verna. Love Janis Giesbrecht - Posted by: Janis giesbrecht (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2021