Vernette McFarland

Vernette Marie McFarland died at INOVA Fairfax Hospital on September 5, 2013. She was 78. Vernette spent the past year valiantly fighting a series of health problems and was able to spend her final months at home. She is survived by her husband, Wayne McFarland, and three children: Beth Bertonneau and her husband, Brian, of Richmond, Virginia; Ed McFarland and his wife, JeNae, of Centerville, Utah; and John McFarland and his wife, Rachel, of American Fork, Utah. She had 8 grandchildren: Marie, Tess, Blair, Mitchell, Elaina, Lauren, Alex, and Gwyneth.

Vernette was born on March 6, 1935, in Montevideo, Minnesota, the daughter of Grover and Mildred Arbeiter. She attended Guilford College, class of 1956, in North Carolina, where her friends called her “Bunny.” She worked as a 2nd-grade teacher in Oak Harbor, Washington until she married Wayne McFarland there on May 31, 1958. Wayne served in the U.S. Navy for over 20 years, and Vernette accompanied him all over the world.

Vernette was a loving mother, doting grandmother, and devoted friend. She traveled extensively, made friends easily, and was loved by everyone she met for her gregarious and passionate personality. She never forgot a birthday or special occasion and had a knack for selecting the perfect gift with flawless taste and perceptiveness, earning her a lifelong reputation for generosity. She kept a spotless and beautiful home, where she was known as a tremendous cook and much-beloved hostess. She read voraciously, never forgot a news item or piece of obscure trivia, and enjoyed film, particularly action movies and Westerns. From Sunday crosswords to the complexities of bridge, no intellectual puzzle eluded her, and she preserved her intelligence, sharp wit, and sense of humor to the end.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon Monday, September 9, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 6942 Sydenstricker Rd. in Springfield, Virginia. Vernette’s family will greet visitors from 11 to 12 before the service. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Heart Association in Vernette’s honor.