Obituary
McCready, Verna Jean (Reid) (1927-2022) – On Monday, January 24, 2022, in her 95th year, at her current home, Bobier Villa, Dutton, our lovely Verna passed away.
“The heart that loves is always healthy. The heart that serves is always happy. The heart that cares is always strong. – unknown
For almost 5 years, Verna has called Bobier Villa her home. She and her family have been grateful for the loving care and heartfelt community that the staff have provided, especially during difficult times.
“Family isn’t defined only by last names or by blood; it is defined by commitment and by love.” – Dave Willis
Beloved wife of the late Jack McCready (1977). Loving mother of Bob & Helen, Ted & Barb, Mary & Grant Dawson, Lloyd & Colleen, and Murray. Survived by her sister Kathleen Rawlinson. Predeceased by sisters and brothers in law; Madeline & Charlie Moore, Dorothy & Ken McFadden and George Rawlinson. She will be dearly missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members and the many neighbours and friends who considered her family.
Her grandchildren were her greatest joy! She had a special relationship with each one of them; calling them, sending mail, having one on one visits and celebrating each of their milestones through life. She made life fun and will be forever remembered by; Tricia, Tara, Tanya, Brianne, Michaela, Richard, Michelle, Jeffrey, Bradley, Christopher, Nickolas, Eric, Alicia and Marissa. Verna often said how lucky she was to share in the joys of the younger generations.
Remembering Great Grandma’s warm heart, laughing smile and cookies from the freezer are; Ryan, Mac, Sophie, Oscar, Scarlet, Brieana, Jackson, Tyson, Brooke, Kaitlyn, Russell, Spencer, Jacob, Michael, Meghan, Ethan and Verna’s newest great grandbabies, who will come to know her through memories shared; Sophie, Liliana and Willa
Verna was born to her parents, Russell and Mary Ellen ‘Nellie’ (Ford) Reid on May 4, 1927. She grew up with her three sisters and later met the love of her life, Jack. They were married in 1947 and spent 30 wonderful years together, before Jack’s sudden death on February 8th, 1977.
To know Verna was a gift in itself. She started each day with a smile and a get-up-and-go attitude. She always served others before herself. With this humble outlook, hard work ethic and loyalty to her commitments, Verna was recognized locally and provincially for her dedication to volunteerism. It was the people and the connections that mattered to Verna; never the accolades.
Verna was a lifelong member of the United Church of Canada. She valued the team work that a church community needs to thrive and was always at the ready to offer a helping hand. Her faith remained strong and was alive in her daily activities and connections.
She took pleasure in the simple things in life. She enjoyed watching the birds from her kitchen window coming to and from her feeders, listening to the Lake from her peaceful porch at her trailer, a countryside drive, a good long phone call, a great game of cards, and best of all; a surprise visit.
For nearly 40 years, family and friends visited Verna at the Old Boys Trailer Park in Port Glasgow. This was always a special place for Verna. Nature, fresh air, good people and campfires that lasted for hours. Verna loved the live music that could be heard throughout the park. She would often find her way to it, sit and listen, and quietly sing along, tapping her toes. She enjoyed the bands that would play in the dance hall, where she and her sister Dorthy would spin the light fantastic!
For years, she welcomed Bobier Villa’s Day Program into the park, where she served ice cream cones or coffee, and cake off the porch of her trailer. To make someone else’s day, was a heartfelt joy to Verna.
Over the years, many ‘Senior Suppers’ were organized for community members. Verna enjoyed calling folks; catching up and letting them know where the next dinner and social was being held; always being sure to rotate the restaurants so that each local business was evenly supported.
Travelling with family members and going on bus trips were highlights for Verna.
There was nothing that couldn’t be solved by sitting at her kitchen table and talking over a cup of tea. She always believed in the power of communication, especially when times were tough. All were welcomed at Verna’s table.
Verna had a love for roses. She had several rose bushes at her home on Mary Street, in Dutton, and believed the best part of having roses was sharing them with others. Verna collected rose bowls only to fill them with a fresh rose to give to others.
In 2017, Verna celebrated her 90th birthday with an open house party at the Dutton United Church. As she looked around at the beautifully decorated basement, she saw the faces of folks from near and far. She commented how overwhelmed she was of all who traveled just to come to wish her a happy birthday, to share a hug, to laugh, to reminisce. She noted that it was like attending her own funeral except she was present to share the time with family and friends.
Verna’s family asks that as a tribute to this amazing woman, consider doing a selfless act of kindness for someone …. Verna will be smiling.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Verna, please consider; Bobier Villa, Dunwich United Church or West Elgin Daffodil Auxiliary.
Verna will be laid to rest on Saturday January 29, 2022 at 3:00 pm in Evergreen Cemetery in West Lorne. The public is welcome to attend, respecting social distancing and wearing of masks please.
Online condolences may be shared by visiting arnfuneralhome@bellnet.ca
To send flowers to Verna’s family, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Verna Jean Reid McCready May 4 1927 January 24 2022 (age 94)..
Death notice for the town of: Dutton, Province: Ontario