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Obituary
It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Verna (Janke) Hollihan. Verna passed away in Ponoka on October 11, 2023 at the age of 87 years. Verna was born to Nathaniel (Dan) and Lydia Janke in Wetaskiwin on November 27,1937. She grew up one mile north of Usona Store. She took her schooling in a one room country school, two miles north of her home. Verna married Mervin Hollihan in December of 1958 in Ponoka. She had four sons. Francis, her first, was born in 1954. Alton in 1960, and twins, Lloyd and Eugene in 1962. She was a wife and mother who loved her boys deeply. The family lived in Ponoka while Verna worked at various jobs. Some of which included delivering milk to homes, housekeeping, waitressing, bartending, and driving Royal Taxi in Ponoka. Verna worked and managed several hotels in the area. She worked as a relief cook for Crown Caterers in Edmonton. Which she travelled for work as far north as Red Earth and Baffin Island, Grande Prairie, Grande Cash and High Level to name a few places. By the end of her shift they always wanted her to stay. Verna was a strong woman who had no trouble carrying large trays of drinks, or keeping patrons in line. Verna was very athletic with a competitive streak. As a young tomboy, Verna loved playing fastball. In fact, in 1965 her ladies team won the championship for the Ponoka fastball league. She also enjoyed curling throughout her life both in Usona and Ponoka. Verna and Mervin regularly danced in their married years, as it was something she always loved. Verna played a good game of crib and enjoyed most other card games as well. She enjoyed her final years in Northcott playing cards and bingo. Many can attest that Verna gave the best, great-big hugs, and that she always had more to give.
She will be missed by her children Alton, Eugene and Crystal, Lloyd and Laura, Francis, her grandchildren, Candace, Kayla, Morgan, and Courtney, great-grandchildren Ryder, Hudson, and Carter as well as the many other lives she has touched.
Verna was predeceased by her sister Helen, brothers Carl, Harold, and Danny, and her parents Dan and Lydia.
The Interment will take place at the Wetaskiwin Cemetery (Old) on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a pot-luck reception at the Scout Hall in Ponoka.
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November 27 1937 October 11 2023 85 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Wetaskiwin, Province: Alberta
death notice Verna Janke Hollihan November 27 1937 October 11 2023 85 Years Old
obituaries notice Verna Janke Hollihan November 27 1937 October 11 2023 85 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Verna Janke Hollihan November 27 1937 October 11 2023 85 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.