Veronica Berjian, of Assiniboia SK, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2108 in Moose Jaw, SK at age of 90. Veronica was born in Glenavon, SK on May 28, 1928 to Walter and Francis Bank. She grew up on the family farm. After her mother died in 1936 the family went through difficult times. Veronica attended the Primrose School from grades 1-10, traveling by foot or horse. She obtained her grade 11 in Glenavon. Veronica started teaching in 1945 after attending Normal School. She taught at various one-room schools over the years, including area schools Verwood, Willows, Thornicroft and Stonehenge. She took a year off in 1948 to work in Toronto. She found teaching in the rural schools rewarding, with support for various concerts, music festivals, track and field events. She took a break from teaching in 1963-1968 to have her children. From 1968-1973 she taught Special Education becoming involved in the Special Olympics. In 1973 Veronica, transferred back to regular classes teaching Grades 3, 4 and 5 in Assiniboia until her retirement in 1988. While teaching school she obtained her Grade 12, attended Normal School, and obtained her University degree. It was through teaching that Veronica met her husband Gus Berjian while teaching at Thornicroft School. She boarded with his brother and sister-in-law George and Florence Berjian. Veronica and Gus married on November 25, 1953 and moved to their farm in the Pickthall area. In addition to teaching, she became involved in the farm. In 1963, their daughter Luanne was born and later in 1965, Doug joined the family. In 1968, the family moved into Assiniboia when Veronica started teaching again splitting time between town and the farm. She was happy when she moved fulltime to the farm in the early 1980s. She spent time raising the family, gardening, and canning, teaching and helping on the farm (including helping calves that need a helping hand). In 1988, she had time to do more knitting projects and became more involved in the farm. She enjoyed being with her grandchildren – playing and teaching them – and seeing them grow up. In 2014, a tornado forced Veronica and Gus off the farm to town. While life slowed down for her in the last few years, she found ways to be involved with her family and friends. From the early years to even the end, there were gifts of food from cinnamon buns, donuts to meals. Veronica was predeceased by husband Gus; siblings Stanley Bank, Joe Bank, Florence Bank, Josephine (Gabriel) Burkhart, Frank Bank; parents Walter and Francis Bank, step-mother Rosa (Bank) Langelier; in-laws Florence and George Berjian, Karen and Bob Berjian, Nick Berjian, Bernie (John) Berjian, father-in-law Costa Berjian and mother-in law Anna Berjian. Veronica is survived by her daughter Luanne, son Doug and daughter-in-law Kathy; grandchildren Brent and Chelsea; great-grandson Everett. Also surviving are siblings Allan (Ethel) Bank and Victoria Ell; step-brother Gabe (Denise) Bank, Bernie (Leanne), Andrew Bank, step-sister Joan Konechny; brother-in-law John Berjian, sister-in-law Shirley Berjian; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A Celebration of Veronica’s Life was held June 29, 2018 at St. Paul’s United Church, Assiniboia, SK. with Rev. Marilyn Leuty officiating. Tribute was given by grandson, Brent; Bearers were granddaughter, Chelsea and great-grandson, Everett. In Veronica’s name, donations may be made to STARS, Special Olympics, or St. Paul’s United Church. Thank-you to the friends, neighbours, family and health care workers (including Hutch Ambulance) who helped Veronica these past few months that enabled her to live an independent life to the end. Thank-you to all of you who have shared your memories and showed support to our family in the time of our loss, including family, friends, and Ross Funeral Home. …Luanne, Doug, Kathy, Brent, Chelsea and Everett.
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