Vera (nee Mitchell) Booker
In the comfort of sleep and warmth, Vera Booker passed away in her home at Good Shepherd Villa on April 4, 2014, one month short of her 96th birthday. Vera’s adored husband, Keith, was present with her when she passed. Vera was born in Boro Green, SK (Canwood District) and shared her childhood with two treasured sisters. Vera frequently reminisced about her life in the Canwood area: her dad as a mechanic & farmer, her mother as loving & caring. As a young woman, Vera married & raised 2 daughters, Elaine & Maureen. She is remembered as a gentle, patient and generous mom to both her girls; Vera was an excellent seamstress, gardener & provider for her children. Eventually Vera moved to Prince Albert, SK where she became well-known as an accordion instructor and music enthusiast! She played in many dance bands, entertaining for many events and audiences. Vera only recently retired from playing the accordion when, as her family joked, “the accordion weighed more than she did!” Vera also loved to dance! She was an expert when it came to old-time dance & was envied for her mastery of the Hopping Polka. It was during one such dance that Vera met Keith (Corky) Booker, and after a short romance they married. Instantly, Vera became a perfect fit in the Booker family. Together, Vera & Keith continued to enjoy the dance scene, the senior’s center, their home, garden and family. Within the family and at GSV, the couple was known as “lovebirds”, always sitting side by side & holding hands. There wasn’t a more devoted couple! Vera is remembered as being ahead of her time. Before it was particularly researched or a trend, she practised a healthy lifestyle, remaining physically active. She had her own set of weights, and believed a brisk walk was what kept her healthy for her many years. Of her few vices, she enjoyed ice cream, chocolates and ketchup! Vera’s husband Keith will miss her companionship, her love of life and her total commitment to him. She will also be missed by her daughter Elaine Mitchell of Chatham, ON; her daughter Maureen (Ron) Voltz of Prior Lake, Minnesota; her grandchildren: Zachariah (Becky) and Kristoffer (Molly); and her 2 great-grandchildren. Vera also complemented the lives of her in-laws: Margaret vonEschen, Terry (Paulette) Booker and Norma Pritchard. Nieces, nephews and extended family were recipients of Vera’s kindness & love. Vera was predeceased by many significant family members. A Service to Celebrate Vera will take place Tuesday, April 8, 2014 - 2:00 pm, MacKenzie Chapel, 130-9th Street E, Prince Albert, SK, with Rev. Nora Vedress officiating. As appreciation for organizations of which Vera respected, please consider donations to the Victoria Hospital Foundation, 1200 - 24th Street West, Box 3000 Stn. Main, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5T4 www.helpthevic.ca or the Prince Albert Co-Operative Community Clinic, 110 8th Street East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 0V7. Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.763.8488 www.MacKenzieChapel.ca