Veronica Katherine Hakstol

Veronica is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Neil) Henderson, of Vimy, son Kenneth (Marisa) Hakstol of Lethbridge, daughter Valerie (Clayton) Dean of Leduc, sibling Frank (Rose) Sitter of Taber, sister-in-law Kay Ward of Edmonton. She will be missed by her grandchildren JoAnne (Chad) Mitchell, John (Jill) Henderson, Tasha Grant, Jennifer (Jason) Thomas, Rhys Hakstol, Keilan Hakstol and her great grandchildren Claire, Grace, Mia, Gregory, Aspen, Benjamin, Cole and Brooklyn. Veronica was predeceased by her daughter Cynthia (Shane) Grant, sister Mary (Frank) Lazar, brother-in-law Edward (Theresa) Hakstol and sister-in-law Mary (Ron) Innes and her parents Frank and Katherine Sitter.

Veronica was born in Sokolovac, Croatia December 6, 1934. During World War II, Veronica and her family were forced to make a hurried escape from their home in Sokolovac and wound up stranded in Germany for most of the war. After the War, she and her family moved to the Taber area of Southern Alberta where they worked the sugar beet fields and later established a farm. So grateful to finally have a home, and even though the work was hard, she adopted Canada as her home and was a proud Canadian. This is a quote from one her writings.

“At one time in my life I had no home or homeland or the prospect of ever having one. That is why this home has meant so much to me.” – Veronica Hakstol.

In 1952 Veronica married John Hakstol and they started their family on a farm near the town of Warburg. Being a farmwife, Veronica took on many roles providing lunches and meals during harvest or hauling grain, and even sometimes she proudly ran the combine for John so he could get the crops in on time. Mom loved flowers and her garden with an array of different colours but always there were the beautiful gladiolas every summer.

Veronica was a people person who was genuinely interested in anyone she encountered during her day. She had a way of hearing their story and giving just enough of hers that before long they would become dear friends. She was generous with her hugs to anyone who needed one or even looked like they needed one and she found that not being able to give and receive a hug exceedingly difficult.

Veronica was devoted to her husband John and her children, guiding them as they grew into adults and started families of their own. When John became ill, she insisted on being by his side almost every day and when she finished helping John she would feed or help any of the other residents on the unit. Even after John passed away, she would still find her way over to the Care Centre to check on how everyone was doing and help where needed.

Veronica’s love and devotion continued with her grand children and great grand children as she loved and spoiled them as often as she could, making sure they had their favourite treat or special meal. Veronica was a wonderful cook making many tasty meals, baking delicious pastries, and re-creating those special dishes from her childhood. No one ever left her home without having something to eat or drink. She spent many winter evenings and weekends at the little two sheet curling rink in Warburg, coming home with many trophies and prizes.

The Catholic Faith was central to Veronica’s life as she attended mass as often as she could serving as eucharistic minster and offering communion to the sick. Veronica’s Life was exemplified by her favourite scripture verse “God is love”.

Due to Covid restrictions a private service will be held at a later date. The Funeral Service will be available via a live stream. Please go to Hainstock & Son's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Hainstock-Son-Funeral-Chapel-798207046979869/?ref=settings) and watch for the live stream on Wednesday July 29 at 1:00 pm.

Please donate in Veronica’s name to the St. Charles Roman Catholic Cemetery Fund Box 131, Warburg, Alberta T0C 2T0.