Verna Mary Sjuberg of Courtenay died quite peacefully in the hospital on April 12, after her compromised lungs and heart lost the battle with a cold virus.€ Verna is survived by daughters Anne, Linda (Dave) and Gail (Michael); grandchildren Shannon (Greg), Christiane, Nigel (Liz), Rylan (Jasmine) and Chloe (Evan); and great-grandchildren Kendra, Tristan and Phoebe. She is predeceased by husband Ernest, daughter Marie, parents William and Catherine, sisters Lena, Cynthia, Kathleen and Yvonne, and brothers Sid, Gordon, Ken, Victor and Leo.
Verna's family came to the Comox Valley from Northumberland County in Ontario in 1939. Verna and Ernie were married in 1952 and most of their life together was spent in the Comox Valley, although Ernie worked during weekdays as a faller in Gold River for many years until his retirement in 1986. They raised four girls, maintained a legendary garden on their Courtenay property and went ocean fishing during summer months in their 14-foot Lund.
Verna's happiest years may have been spent at Glacier Greens golf course from about 1980 to 2005, until a health setback forced her to put the clubs away. She loved time spent with her grandchildren - to whom she was "Gran" - knitting sweaters for babies and kids, and making a meal she was proud of or a family member's favourite treat. It was also a good day when the Montreal Canadiens won.
Verna always enjoyed visits and phone calls from her large extended family and keeping up with all the news. Thanks to everyone who reached out to her in the years following Ernie's death in 2011, and especially her niece Gayle Adey, whose selflessness and love made a huge difference to her daily life. Thanks as well to Jeannette and Keith for essential home maintenance help.
Verna was determined to remain in her own home with her marbles pretty much intact and she succeeded! No service by request.