MACKAY, Verna I., (Watson) - It is with great sadness that the family announces the loss of Verna Mackay to cancer on January 25, 2009. Verna was born on September 13, 1926, at Success, SK, to Albert and Alice Watson. After graduating from high school, she attended Normal in Moose Jaw and obtained her teaching certificate. She taught in the Piapot then the Seward Hill district where she met her future husband Donald Mackay. After marrying in 1952, they farmed in the Seward Hill area and raised their five children. When Don passed away in 1975, she took an active role in managing the family farm with her two sons. Verna will always be remembered as a very loving and supportive mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a leader in the Yellow Lake 4-H Club while her children were growing up and served as the Beverly Wheat Pool committee secretary for many years. She was also active in many other community activities through the years. Mom was an avid sports enthusiast and was a S.C. Broncos season ticket holder for many years and never missed a Blue Jays game. She loved the outdoors and working in her garden. She also enjoyed knitting and reading, and was an excellent cook. Verna is survived by her children Mary (James) Saretsky, Douglas, Margaret, Karen and Michael; grandchildren Michael Bartusek, and Kristine and Laura Saretsky; sisters Doris Berreth and Shirley Stewart; brothers Hartley (Chris) and Mervin Watson; numerous nieces and nephews and her dear lifelong friend Bea (Thomson) Haughian. She was predeceased by her husband Don; brothers and sisters-in-law Edith Watson, Eugene Berreth and Harvey Stewart, Gordon and Ivy Mackay, Jean and Roy Schneider, Charlotte Mackay, Kathleen and Raymond Carefoot; and nephew Malcolm Mackay. It was Mom's wish that no funeral service be held. If desired, donations in her name may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Canadian Cancer Society.