VERNA EVELYN NELSON

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VERNA EVELYN NELSON

(nee BJORKMAN)

March 3, 1930 – May 4, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother in the early morning dawn of May 4, 2023, at the Grace Hospital after a brief illness.
Verna was born in Great Falls, Manitoba, on March 3, 1930, the youngest of eight girls, followed by a brother. She was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Emmy Bjorkman, sisters, Margaret, Mabel, Lillian, Dagmar, Phyllis, Bernice, and Sybil, brother Allen, her beloved husband William Nelson and sons, John and Michael.
She is survived by her daughters, Dianne Hodgson (Tom), Barbara Nelson, Karen Amos (Brent), her grandchildren, Andrew Hodgson (Stephanie), Samantha Laughlin (Tim), Amanda Jones, Stephen Jones (Sophie), Alexa Matviychuk (Jeremey), Kirstyn Nordheim (Shea) and Jeremy Amos (Karlie) and her great-grandchildren, Nora, Grace, Xander, Lucas and Leon. Also left to mourn are: her sister-in-law, Mary Bjorkman of Toronto, Doreen Amos who is both friend and family, and several nieces and nephews.
Her early life was an outdoor adventure where going to school started with a trip across the Winnipeg River by boat or a trek across the ice in winter.
As a young woman, she moved to Winnipeg and began work at Eatons. She met the love of her life, William and they were married after a two year courtship.
His career took the growing family to northwestern Ontario for several years where she rekindled her love of lake life. She was actively engaged in the community, the church, and volunteering with kids' activities. After dad passed away, her strength and independence shone through and she moved the family back to Winnipeg. Although re-entering the workforce was a challenge for her, she persevered and pursued a successful career at the Bank of Commerce Data Centre and became the midnight shift manager, retiring in 1994.
Verna had many interests. She was an avid reader and she faithfully completed the daily crossword puzzles. She still enjoyed a game of Scrabble into her 90s. For over 70 years, she was a devoted bridge player. She loved to sew for herself and her children. Knitting was an evening ritual, making sweaters, blankets and countless pairs of slippers for the Children's Hospital.
An enthusiastic sports fan, she held seasons' tickets to the Blue Bombers for many years and enjoyed several trips to Grey Cup Games. In later years, she never missed a televised Bomber or a Jets hockey game. She loved the theatre and for many years attended Manitoba Theatre Centre.
Family was everything to her. She loved to celebrate events, always with a family dinner. She never missed a birthday or graduation, and she cherished every family Christmas. She relished the company of her seven grandchildren, loved to attend their games and activities, and was so proud of their accomplishments. She was thrilled at the births of her five great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to her frequent trips to visit extended family in, Toronto, California and New Jersey.
She will be forever lovingly remembered for her kind spirit, good nature, generosity and grace. Her strength, resilience, and independence were an inspiration to all who knew her.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Thorvaldson Care Centre, where mom lived over the last year, where she was treated like family with care, comfort and kindness.
Donations in Verna's name can be made to the Children's Hospital or Winnipeg Humane Society.
A gathering of remembrance for all friends and family will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 1, 2023, at Southwood Golf and Country Club, 80 Rue des Ruines du Monastere, Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 13, 2023