Vera Stefanovna Cherrin

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Vera Stefanovna Cherrin, affectionately known as Babushka Vera, on December 2, 2023, at the age of 99. Born in Pyatigorsk, Russia, to Stefan and Akulina Verpatov, Vera's long and momentous journey through life was marked by unwavering loyalty to her family and friends, warmth and generosity to all she came across, and an unwavering spirit of resilience. Vera grew up in the Caucasus region of southern Russia until the onset of WWII; after enduring the trials of a forced labour camp in wartime Germany, she immigrated to Canada to start her new life. Vera's strength and courage in the face of unimaginable hardship remained an inspiration to her family and friends, and in Canada her diligence and strong work ethic over many years were greatly admired. Her life was further enriched by her marriage to the late Mikhail Cherrin, with whom she shared a deep and enduring love. Babushka Vera's zest for life was evident in her passions. An avid gardener and baker, she found joy in the simplicity of nature and the warmth of a kitchen filled with the aroma of her baking. Her love for the outdoors (especially wild animals!) was infectious, and she took great pleasure in teaching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren life skills in gardening, baking, fishing and riflery, instilling in them a profound respect for spending time in nature. She was an active member of her congregation at the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in Toronto for decades, where she is remembered warmly for her selfless volunteering in many church activities. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her family members: her children, Luba Cherrin Garcia (and husband Ramon Garcia) and Valentin Cherrin (and wife Olga Cherrin); her grandchildren, Stefan Garcia (and wife Sarah Jones), Anthony Garcia (and wife Dana Garcia), and Natalie Cherrin Dawson (and husband Adam Dawson); and her great-grandchildren, Scarlet Garcia Jones, Sebastian Garcia Jones, Claire Garcia, Grace Garcia, Ava Dawson, Jackson Dawson; and her niece Olga and extended family in Russia. Vera was predeceased by her devoted husband, Mikhail, and her cherished grandson, Andrew Cherrin. A funeral service will be held for family and friends on Monday, December 11, 2023, 11:00 am, Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 23 Henry Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1W9, Canada. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. https://alzheimer.ca/en/take-action/make-your-donation-today Vera's remarkable life was a tapestry of love, resilience and joy. Her spirit, teachings, and the memories she created will forever be a guiding light for her family and all who knew her. May she rest in peace, and may her legacy continue to inspire us all.