Verna Bruce

Verna Bruce, a resident of Pinecrest Home, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 30, 2017. She had been in declining health due to advanced dementia for several years. Verna Mary Elizabeth was born December 9, 1922, in Tantallon, Saskatchewan, the eldest daughter of Alex and Johanna Anderson, and shortly after her birth they moved to Fort William, Ontario (Thunder Bay).

Verna was predeceased by her parents, sister Arlene Hamilton and brother Mervin. She is survived by her husband Donald, daughters Lynda, Kathryn (James) Stevenson, Elizabeth (Gregg) Wiebe and son Ian (Darlene), grandchildren, Heather, Eric, Allison, Rob, Christopher, Kyle, Kristen, Joseph and Andrew, and great grandchildren Nicholas and Victoria. Also surviving is her sister Daryle Spence (Robert) of Thorold, Ontario and sister in law Mary Anderson (Calgary). She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Following her graduation from Fort William High School and Business College, Verna worked in the Royal Bank and then during WW2 was the assistant to the Ground School Instructor at the Fort William Airport, working in the Commonwealth Air Training Program. Verna and Don were married June 14, 1949 following his graduation as an Optometrist, and they moved to Geraldton, Ontario where Don established a practice of Optometry. They subsequently moved to Atikokan, Ontario in 1951 when that community was booming; their four children were born there and they enjoyed 12 years as young family there. The family moved to Kenora in 1963 when Don joined in an Optometric partnership with Doug Tansley. Once the children were older, Verna worked as a secretary in several local offices, and the last being her favorite, working as a Court Reporter in the provincial court system.

Verna was very proud of her Finnish heritage, which she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She loved the family saunas at camp on Bigstone Bay, and thereafter nearby at her children’s camps on Lake of the Woods. Verna had a great regard for higher education. After the children were older, she took extension courses from Lakehead University, and in 1976, received her B.A. at the same convocation as her daughter Lynda.

Verna was a loving mother and devoted wife and enjoyed many happy years with her Bridge Club friends, her membership in the Presbyterian Church and many family reunions and saunas at camp. A celebration of her life will be held at First Presbyterian Church on February 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a light lunch. The family thanks all the staff at Pinecrest for their compassionate care of Verna. Donations to charity of your choice appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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