Mrs. Averena May Verlaan

Born to William T. Jones in Vancouver on August 18, 1941, Rena passed away peacefully with the grace she carried throughout her life on the morning of July 25, 2015 surrounded by family at her daughter Natalie’s home in Yarrow, BC.

Rena graduated from Gladstone High School before working as practical nurse for 3 years at Mt. St. Joseph’s Hospital. She married Leo Verlaan in 1962. Rena went on to live a full life as a beautiful mother and friend to all that were blessed to have known her.

Rena will be in our hearts and thoughts forever. She will be loved and missed by Leo, sons Paul, Vince, Elliott, daughter Natalie, and son-in-law Donny Longo. Rena nurtured, loved and cherished her grandchildren Michaela, Claire, Camden, Brendan, Cole, Averena and Janessa.

Rena is survived by sister Eira and brother William as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great long-time friends. She is predeceased by sister Maira, brothers Lewis, Rees, Marty, Butch (Phyl) and her beloved niece Lori and nephew Kevin.

We will all remember and celebrate the incredible woman Rena was and the lifetime of memories that we will treasure forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Paul Verlaan’s Whistler Gran Fondo ride for the BC Lung Association at http://bit.ly/1KqVaCC or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Soc-Cda at www.llscanada.org

Condolences are welcome on Rena’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/averena.verlaan