Verna Elizabeth Purcell, 89, of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully in the company of Reverend Delport, friends and family on Monday, June 16, 2014 at the Foothills Hospital.
Verna was born on July 24, 1924 in East River Saint Mary’s, NS. She married Patrick Purcell of Halifax, NS in 1954.
Verna is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Helen Fraser, Margaret Wood, James MacKay, and Jack MacKay, all of Nova Scotia; her children, Marc (Ann Barker) Purcell of Oshawa, ON and Krista (Judson) Virtue of Calgary, AB; grandchildren: Sasha Rennick-Purcell, Melissa Rennick-Purcell, Christopher Virtue, and Nathan Virtue as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces and numerous friends.
She was predeceased by her brother, Louis MacKay of Truro and son, Paul Purcell of Calgary.
Verna was a long time resident of both Halifax and Calgary. She had a fulfilling nursing career which started at the Nova Scotia Sanatorium in Kentville, NS and continued at the Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax until her retirement in 1988. She assisted in numerous joyful events, including the birth of her first grandchild, Sasha. Verna was a devote Presbyterian and true to her faith. She attended Zion Presbyterian in East River Saint Mary’s, Knox Presbyterian in Halifax and St. Giles Presbyterian in Calgary. Adding to her many accomplishments was her tireless dedication to volunteerism. She thrived on helping others. Verna touched everyone, everywhere she ventured. Her amazing smile, ever present laughter, and genuine care for those she met, is her legacy. She was deeply loved.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and support staff of Unit 46 at the Foothills Hospital for their amazing compassion and care.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Verna’s Life will be held at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 1102 23 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 1T7 on Monday, June 23, 2014 at 11 a.m., with Reverend Delport officiating. A Celebration of Verna’s Life will also take place in Truro, NS at a time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to St. Giles Presbyterian Church.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca