Verna Irene Howarth

Verna Irene Howarth passed away on September 11, 2014 at Mississauga Long Term Care Facility in her 89th year, having fought severe dementia for many years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Roy Howarth, who passed away October 11, 2012. Verna will be dearly missed by her children, Janice (John) Ghent of Oakville, and Dr. John (Judy) Howarth of Mount Albert; her four grandchildren, Melanie Ghent, Bruce (Julie) Howarth, Marlys (Jose) Rodriguez, and Karolyn (Eric) Withers; three great-granddaughters, Bronwyn, Holly and Josselyn; three great-grandsons, Jacob, Ayden and Toby and many nephews and nieces. She was also predeceased by her younger daughter, Jennifer and siblings Harold, Eleanor, Myrtle, and Jack. She is survived by sisters-in-law Helen and Joyce Forster and Marguerita and Marion Howarth. Born in Toronto and unable to go to university, she learned secretarial skills at night school. She rose to be secretary of the head of HR at Ontario Hydro. In 1946, Verna married the "love of her life", Roy Howarth, of Toronto. They moved to Galt in 1951, where Roy had opened a medical practice as a Pediatrician. The other "love of her life" has been the Lord Jesus Christ, who Verna faithfully served for over 65 years, both in Forward Baptist Church and in the community of Cambridge-Galt. Over the years Verna served at Forward as a greeter, a Pioneer Girl's "Pal"; teacher of a girl's Bible Class; sponsor of the Young People's Group with Roy; and Coordinator of the "Bible Memory Association". She volunteered as the Coordinator for Christian Women's Club "Neighbourhood Bible Studies"; and, along with Roy, was a sponsor of the Inter-School Christian Fellowship in Galt's three high schools. The family wishes to thank our many friends from Forward, Verna's neighbours on Corwin Blvd., the staff at the Fairview Mennonite Home and Mississauga Long Term Care. A Memorial Service will be held at Forward Church, 455 Meyers Road, Cambridge, on Monday, September 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be Sunday, September 14, 2014, 2-4 p.m., at Coutts Funeral Home , 96 St. Andrews St., Cambridge, and 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. before the Memorial Service at Forward, Interment following at St. Peter's Erindale Anglican Church, Mississauga. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for The Gideons International of Canada or a charity of your choice.