Vera Rose Pel

Predeceased by her parents Harold & Florence Jackson, husband Fred and brother Ron. She is survived by her children: David, Fred (Elsie), Jon (Nancy), Al (Steffany), Angela, and their families. Vera was a devoted wife and mother to her 5 children. She also deeply loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren & extended family.

Vera was born on December 4, 1927, in South Burnaby and lived there her whole life. She was always proud of this and was passionate about the history of Burnaby.

Her first job was working as a bank teller at the Royal Bank. That is where she met Fred, who would wait for her to serve him, no matter how long the line. He finally found the courage to ask her on a date.

They married four years later, on April 13, 1951. They had four sons, and in their later years adopted their daughter Angela.

Vera and Fred faithfully attended First Christian Reformed Church. Vera was active in the church, leading Bible studies, as well as teaching ESL. Her students appreciated her and stayed in touch for many years. She also took on the role of archivist to help document the church's history.

Every Sunday, she invited visitors over for lunch and maintained long-term friendships with many people she met over through the years.

Vera held strong values about being financially responsible and environmentally friendly long before it was popular. Vera was active her whole life. She never owned a car, so she walked and bused everywhere. She also ice-skated into her 80s!

Vera enjoyed gardening and often said it was her favourite place to be. After Fred passed away in 2007, she said could lose track of time when in the garden and would be out there for hours tending to her many flowers and trees.

Vera built and maintained many long-term friendships. Her calendar was filled with names of everyone's birthdays, anniversaries and she sent out 200+ Christmas cards each year.

Vera helped many people throughout her life - as well as all the animals that came into the house over the years. She truly had a beautiful, loving heart.

Vera's faith was important to her and in her last years, after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's she often thought every day was Sunday. She maintained her compassionate heart, playful sense of humour and hopeful attitude right to the end.

Some of Vera's advice: when life gets overwhelming, just focus one thing at a time and it will all get done. She was also quoted in an article in The Banner saying, "The one thing you can count on in life is change. So, we have to learn how to keep adjusting."

Vera lived this wisdom and relied on God to guide her life. We will remember your teachings, values and love, and hold you close until we meet again.

Celebration of Life to be held Saturday, September 30, 2023, 11:00 am at First Vancouver Christian Reformed Church, 2670 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Gospel Mission or the Alzheimer Society.