Obituary of Vernice Eileen Podbielski
Vernice Eileen Podbielski (nee Barton)
November 18, 1932 – January 9, 2022
Vernice Eileen Podbielski passed away on January 9, 2022 at the age of 89. She was born to Daniel Earl and Violet Eileen Barton on November 18, 1932 and spent her childhood as the eldest of 7 on the family farm in MacDowall, Saskatchewan. As a young woman she worked as a school teacher in Eden, Saskatchewan and as a bank teller for The Royal Bank in Prince Albert. In 1955, she married Leon Podbielski and moved to the family homestead in Strong Pine, where she and Leon lived until they moved into Prince Albert in 2015. Vernice and Leon were grain and cattle farmers until retirement and were happy to pass along the farm to their son, Garry and grandson, Travis.
Vernice is survived by her daughter Marie Eldridge, grandchildren Whitney and Jordan; son Garry Podbielski, spouse Rosa, grandchildren Travis, Landon, Taylor (great grandchild Naya) and Tessa; and son Ron Podbielski, grandchildren Grace and Jonathan. Vernice is also survived by her sisters, Ina Holtom, Lorna (Clarence) Lehne and Cora (Brian) Williamson and her brothers, Dan (Bev) Barton and Ross (Betty) Barton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Leon Podbielski, her sister Connie Williams and her brother Dwane Barton.
Mom lived her life as a shining example of a supportive farm spouse and a committed and loving mother.
Mom was known for her skills in tending to livestock, growing a large garden, canning and baking, her culinary specialties which included “overnight buns” and “homemade chicken soup”, and her incredible energy and work ethic. During harvest season, she could even take a turn in the field driving truck in between running meals to Leon and Garry in the fields. She balanced her busy farm schedule with managing the house and the farm finances, being there for her children, helping with school and always being a friendly ear throughout life’s journey.
Mom was a kind, unselfish and patient woman who always put the needs of others and their happiness before her own. Her laugh, wit and sense of humor were defining and memorable aspects of her personality. While her life on the farm was sometimes difficult, she always took her greatest joy in family gatherings and the successes of her children. Mom made everyone feel comfortable with her generous and welcoming personality. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and caregivers.
The family wishes to thank the excellent staff at River Breeze Seniors Residence who cared for Mom (and Dad) over the past few years, and Mom’s dear friend, Helen, who kept her company daily after Dad’s passing. We would also like to thank the compassionate medical staff at The Victoria Union Hospital.
In lieu of other tributes, a donation can be made towards The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West – 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8.
Funeral Service
A Private Family Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel. Services will be live streamed and videotaped. If you wish to view the service, the live stream link is www.grays.ca/memorial-videos/. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Vernice
Eileen
Podbielski 1932 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Prince-Albert, Province: Saskatchewan