NELSON
Mrs. Verna
1925 - 2014
Mrs. Verna Elizabeth Nelson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 20, 2014 at the age of 88 years. Verna was born on July 18, 1925, the third of seven children to Peter and Elizabeth Groat. Verna is survived by her loving family; Brian (Diane), Doug (Linda), Rob (Mary Ann), Stephen and daughter-in-law, Belle; eleven grandchildren; Jeff, Kim (Brandon), Leah, Mike (Natasha), Mark (Marissa), Brandi (Brendon), Reid (Kathrin), Josh, David, Andy (Bonnie) and Toni; thirteen great-grandchildren, brother, Gordon (Sharon) Groat and sister-in-law, Gladys Groat as well as many other family members and numerous friends. Verna was predeceased by her husband, Roy, son Ross, infant son, Peter, parents, Peter and Elizabeth Groat, brothers, Bob and Jack Groat and by sisters, Mary Groat, Isabel Ritchie and Helen Myers. Verna grew up in the Endiang area and attended school there. On August 2, 1944 Verna married her childhood sweetheart, Roy Nelson and to this union six sons were born. They lived on Roy's family farm for a few years then moved to Consort for a couple of years. In 1951, they moved to Stettler where they stayed and raised their family. Verna worked in retail for many years at the "Betty Shop", "Lawrence's" and then later at "Lou's Fashions". She loved to entertain and especially loved the many card games with family and friends. Verna always had the coffee pot on and goodies on the table whenever anyone stopped by. She loved to sew and was always doing alterations for people or making her "special" table cloths and baby quilts. Verna was a wonderful cook and also loved to bake. She was always making jams, jellies or baking cookies, buns and bread and was renowned for her famous cheese bread. Vern and Roy had many good times camping, hosting family gatherings, visiting and travelling. They did everything together until Roy's sudden passing in 2010. Verna loved her family and had a way of making each one feel special. She will be sadly missed as a mother, grandmother and friend. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at the Brennen Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ross Helgeton officiating. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Verna, memorial contributions may be made to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of your choice in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services P.O. Box 193 Stettler, Alberta TOC 2LO who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403.742.3315. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.brennenfuneralhome.com.