Verna Grace Sharp

Verna Grace Sharp

     Mom passed away peacefully with family at her side on Friday, March 19th at the Portage General Hospital at the age of 84.

     She will be lovingly remember by her children, Faron (Robin), Janet (Harry), Karen (Ross), Beverly, Dianna (Rick), 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.  She will also be missed by sister-in-law Joan, brother & sister-in-law Raymond & Gail, and sister-in-law Heather and her bestest of friends Pat & Metro.

     Verna was predeceased by her parents, Joe & Myrtle Marquette, brother Henry (Hank) and 4 grandchildren, Stephanie, Geoffrey, Kelly and Jeff.

     Verna was raised in the Overhill District and moved into Portage la Prairie as a young lady to work.  Mom and Dad married in 1956 and moved out to the farm in Gainsborough District to raise their family.

     Mom was a farmer’s wife; no matter what time Dad got up in the morning, she was up first, making sure, he had a hot breakfast before he left the house and a well packed lunch box to take with him.  Then it was time to get busy.  With 5 kids you were always busy. 

     Mom loved her large garden of vegetables and flowers, always planting rows of gladiolus bulbs.  Mom raised her own chickens for food, for awhile.  She kept busy making preserves, fruit and jam was always homemade. She willingly shared recipes and canning tips.  Her home smelled like bleach and floor wax during the top to bottom whole house spring and fall cleaning.  Mom joined Spooners afternoon bowling in her later years and thoroughly enjoyed the time she spent with all the teams.  Mom loved playing cards, dominoes, whist, anything that brought family and friends together for an evening of visiting; she loved “babysitting” her grandkids.

     The coffee pot was always ready to perk with a tray of toast & homemade jam or buttertarts and other sweets for snacking.

     The door was always, open and you were welcomed in.  Mom accepted everyone, related or not, at face value, regardless of race, gender, past struggles, you were treated equally and fairly.  She always lent a helping hand, even to her detriment.  Her strength after the home invasion is a lasting testament of her character that will leave a lasting impression on all those that know and love her.

     Dad required long-term care and mom moved into Portage.  She loved her little apartment but really missed being around Dad.  In addition, COVID just made it all tougher this past year.  Mom lost Dad six months ago and missed him so much.  When asked how she was doing the last couple of months, Mom always answered, ”Just worn out and tired”.  Though we are never ready to have someone leave us, we cannot wish you were back here with us, Mom.  Knowing that you are now surrounded by those you loved and went before you, gives us peace as we celebrate a life well lived.

     Thank you to all the Home Care staff for your help.  Mom looked forward to your visits.  Thank you to all staff at Portage Hospital for your care given to Mom since Feb 1st.

     In lieu of flowers, Mom would be honoured to have donations in her memory to Gainsborough Community Hall, c/o Tammy Hammersley,  RR# 3 Box 61, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A3

     Etransfers accepted: thammersley@hotmail.com   and charitable donation receipts will be issued.

     Public visitation will be held on Friday, March 26th at the Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Rd S, Portage la Prairie from 5 – 7 p.m. with covid restrictions in place.  A private family service will be held on Saturday, March 27th, 2021.

Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com

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