Verna was predeceased by her long-term partner Lester Dodd, parents Samuel and Alice Toderian; sister, Sophie Fisher; and great-granddaughter, Madelyn Finlayson.
She is survived by her children, Melvyn, Deborah (Gerald), Jackie (Jeff), and Bonnie (Jason); grandchildren Mathew (Kendra), Tresjia (Ryan), and Vincenzo; great-grandchildren Anica and Brodyn; two brothers, nieces, nephews and many other family and friends.
Verna was born in Boulton, Manitoba in 1943, and grew up in the Shell Valley region, attending Goose Lake High School. She moved to Winnipeg where Deborah was born, and shortly after married and had Jackie, with Bonnie following several years later in Regina. Verna welcomed a young Melvin into her family and raised the four children on her own.
Verna was an extremely hard worker in her life and had many occupations including waitress at the Hacienda and Bok-o-ria, an executive administrative assistant at SC Atkinson and Health Canada, as a seamstress for the Eminescu Romanian Dancers, then for the Mental Health as Personal Home Care Aide.
An avid seamstress, Verna made clothes for herself, her children and even their barbies. She was a terrific gardener, very crafty and enjoyed sharing hobbies with her grandchildren and anyone who wanted to join her. Most of all, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing UNO, and having tea parties.
Over the years she took in many family members when they needed a place to stay, as well as exchange kids from Korea and Japan. She treated them all like her own. She loved to travel and took many trips to the United States and across Canada.
Children brought her great joy. Even with her dementia she was always concerned about the children and ensuring they were safe, warm and well-fed.
A Celebration of Verna’s life will be held on Friday, November 22 at 1:00 p.m. at Victoria Avenue Funeral Home 2080 Victoria Avenue East, Regina, SK.
For those wishing to make donations, please consider the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan in mom’s memory.
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