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Obituary for
Verna Marian Macklin
May 1, 1933 – February 23, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Verna Macklin share the news of her passing on Sunday, February 23rd, at the age of 91.
Verna (Boutillier) was born in a farmhouse in Soda Lake/Hairy Hill, Alberta on May 1, 1933, the fourth child of Herb & Bessie Boutillier. One of her fondest childhood memories was of her horse, Maple, who was born on the same day as Verna – a lifelong companion in her early years.
In 1950, Verna married John Cucheran, and together they built a life farming and raising their six children in the Hairy Hill and Willingdon areas. In the late 1960s and early ‘70s the family gradually relocated to the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, BC, however, the marriage did not survive.
A true entrepreneur, Verna approached every endeavor with determination and grit. With only a few dollars to her name, she started working in Quan Chows Market Garden beside Courtenay’s Condensory Bridge and later bought the business. In a few years she had established herself enough to purchase a dairy farm on Dove Creek Road in Courtney, which she promptly converted into a thriving market garden. After selling it, she purchased a four-plex on 27 acres along Merville Road and converted it into The Pines, a group home for men with mental health challenges. Over the years, she provided a home for many residents, a testament to her generous heart and boundless energy. While running The Pines, she also began raising Charolais cattle and growing farm feed.
During this time, Verna met Tom Macklin, and they married in 1976. In 1984 they sold the Pines and moved to Quadra Island where they subdivided land and built four beautiful homes – three of which they rented out. Their own home on Hyacinth Bay Road became a hub for family gatherings, pig roasts, piñatas, and reunions filled with love and laughter. After completing the homes, Verna and Tom embarked on a year-long motorhome adventure across Canada and the U.S., making cherished memories and lifelong friends along the way.
In 1986, Verna’s life took a profound turn when she became a born-again believer at a Full Gospel Businessmen’s luncheon. She was soon baptized and, alongside Tom, became an active and beloved member of the Quadra Island Bible Church community, deepening her faith and friendships. The couple also enjoyed square dancing, horseback riding, traveling, fishing (Verna always aimed to catch the biggest fish!), and skiing—enthusiastically taking their grandchildren up the mountain to teach them. Verna’s green thumb never wavered, and her gardens flourished with vibrant flowers and abundant vegetables.
In 2000, Verna and Tom sold their properties on Quadra Island and returned to the Comox Valley to be closer to family. Even in their “retirement,” they kept busy on a small farm with Jersey cows, chickens, and a bountiful garden—welcoming family, friends, and guests into their home. Verna’s 80th birthday was a highlight, celebrated with a joyful gathering of loved ones who had been touched by her kindness and spirit.
In 2015, Tom and Verna fully embraced retirement, moving into a smaller home in a retirement community in Comox, BC. After Tom’s passing on February 21, 2021, at age 91, Verna relocated to Cedarbrook Estates in Mission, BC, where she continued her active lifestyle—traveling, making new friends, and ensuring everyone around her felt like family.
On her final journey, she traveled with her daughter-in-law to visit a granddaughter in Regina, Saskatchewan. While enjoying her time there, Verna suffered a massive stroke. She passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Savior, surrounded by family—just as she always loved it.
Verna was the last of her generation but leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her six children: Herbert John (Patti) Cucheran, Evelyn (Bruce) Ledgister, David Cochrane, Laurie (John) Parkin, Bob Cochrane, and Willow Cucheran; as well as her five stepchildren: Michael Macklin, Nancy Macklin, Dave (Elfrieda) Macklin, Jennifer (Chuck) Green, and Norman (Sherry) Macklin. She leaves behind an extended family of 33 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless others who were blessed to be welcomed into her heart and home. She will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at Quadra Island Bible Church at a later date.
A Graveside Service will take place at Soda Lake Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery near Hairy Hill, Alberta, where Verna will be laid to rest beside her parents, Herbert and Bessie Boutillier, her sister Willow (Gordon) Webb, and her brother Ralph Boutillier.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Soda Lake Cemetery Fund either by cheque, payable to the Diocese of Edmonton, sent to:
Mr. John Gee
Secretary-Treasurer
Anglican Diocese of Edmonton
10035 -103 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0X5
or by e-transfer sent to: treasurer@edmonton.anglican.ca.
1933 2025
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta
death notice Verna Marian
Macklin 1933 2025
obituaries notice Verna Marian
Macklin 1933 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Verna Marian
Macklin 1933 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
