Vera Dickson

Peacefully, on May 14, 2010, with her family at her side, Vera Dickson of Rossendale, Manitoba lost her brief but courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 72.

Predeceased by her loving husband Jim in 2008, and her grandson Shane in 2009, she leaves to mourn her loss and cherish her memory her daughter Lynda and husband Cecil Turner of Lavenham (Lisa, Bill, Kathy, John and Bianca), Joanne and husband Jeff Watson of Rossendale (Jamie, Michelle and Richard) and son Michael and wife Mim Dickson of Maple Ridge, BC (Andrew). She also leaves sisters Eunice and Laurie Donald of Portage, Lois and Ken Lowden of Oakville, and brothers Ron and Lois of Vauxhall, Alberta, Lloyd and Cecile of Portage, and Joe (and the late Paulette) Maloney of Winnipeg, as well as her sister-in-law Bev and Kelvin Stewart of Winnipeg. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren and friends will remember and miss her loving nature. She was also predeceased by her parents, her son-in-law Greg Dobbin, and her nephew Kevin Maloney.

Born July 5, 1937 on the family farm at Oakville, Vera was the fourth child of Clarence and Viola Maloney. After completing high school, Vera ventured to teach at Currie School, where she met Jim, the love of her life. They were married on December 20, 1958 in Sidney, BC.

Jim’s naval career took them to both ends of the country, but in 1966 when their children were about to start school, they returned to the family farm in Rossendale to raise their family and farm with Jim’s parents, Allan and Merle Dickson.

Vera taught at many schools across the country, including Nelson House, Beautiful Valley and Currie, but is best remembered for her 30 years teaching Nursery and Kindergarten at Long Plain School. Her love of children was one of her most endearing traits, and it shone through in her years teaching.

Vera loved her family more than anything else and treasured time spent with her grandchildren playing cards, making cookies and watching movies. Her children all remember her as being their biggest fan, and most dedicated supporter. Being with family was her favourite pastime, whether it was watching sports, or enjoying meals together. Watching curling, reading and journaling were other favourite hobbies.

Vera was a dedicated member of the Rossendale United Church. Her grace and strength in supporting Jim in his final years was admired by all who knew her, and though she never stopped missing him for her a minute of her days, her strong faith that they would be together again when this life was over, carried her through. She will always be remembered, and forever missed.

A memorial service to celebrate Vera’s life will be held on June 12, 2010 at 1pm at Omega Funeral Chapel followed by internment at Rossendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shane Dickson Memorial Fund for Inclusion.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com “Dedicated to those we serve”.