VERNA KATHLEEN GRYTE

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VERNA KATHLEEN GRYTE At Tuxedo Villa, quietly in her sleep on Monday, May 26, 2003 at the age of 88, Verna passed on to a much - deserved rest. Verna was the last surviving child of Andrew and Hilma Gryte and was predeceased by her seven brothers and two sisters. Verna will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews. Verna was raised on a farm and learned the meaning of hard work early in life. After completing Grade six, she was required to remain at home to assist her mother with the household chores and her siblings. At 14 years of age, Verna was hired as a domestic, and had an opportunity to travel to California, but still remembered her family by sending some of her wages home to help her mother. She continued to work in various domestic positions until 1965 when she joined the sales team at Simpson Sears, where she remained until her retirement in 1979. She was a truly caring person who put the needs of others, especially family and friends ahead of her own. Her childhood dreams were to become a nurse, and although she was unable to attain the title of nurse, she spent her lifetime caring for others, especially her brother Gordon, who had numerous health problems. Upon the death of her beloved mother, Gordon became Vernas sole responsibility and resided in a loving environment with Verna for the next 28 years of his life. Gordons final years were spent in Tuxedo Villa and Verna became a constant visitor, continuing to assist in Gordons care, and to visit with other residents. When Verna herself became a resident of Tuxedo Villa, it was like coming home. Her last remaining brother, Douglas, later joined her at the Villa for a short time. Verna maintained the fashion of her day, where a lady never wore pants and always wore hats on special occasions. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing, preserving and cooking, garage sales and the company of others. Her favourite saying was "oh golly", and she will be sorely missed by Toodie and Cookie. We will always remember our special trips to Regina with Verna to visit her sister Ovedia, before her passing in 2002. A private internment was held on May 29 at Brookside Cemetery. The Family is Together Again

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 31, 2003