Thompson, Verna M. – 77, of River John, passed away January 3, 2010 at her home following a lengthy battle with cancer that she fought with dignity and grace. Verna was born and raised on the family farm in Barrachois, Colchester County. She received her early education at the Tarbet School in Barrachois and attended high school at Tatamagouche Rural High School and Pictou Academy. Following graduation, Verna worked at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Halifax and then with Canada Post in River John for more than 30 years. While in Barrachois, she attended the Barrachois United Church and later was a member of Salem United Church in River John for more than 50 years. She was a Life Member of the UCW, a long serving member of the Board of Stewards, a choir member for 52 years, Church treasurer, and manager of the United Church of Canada Observer subscriptions for the Church as well as the Mission and Service fund. She was a member of the RJ’s ladies group, the Coffee Group and participated in numerous community activities and events. For years, Verna could be found in the Church hall cleaning and putting things in order in the kitchen. She helped plan all the suppers and worked the kitchen dishing out the food and socializing on the day of the supper. Verna enjoyed doing handwork with activities such as knitting, cross stitch, needle point, sewing and quilting and was known for her delicious fudge which she shared with family and friends. Although she had many talents, she remained modest about them. Most important to Verna was her family, faith and friends and was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and supported them by attending every event possible whether it was education, sports or social gatherings. Surviving are, her son, Charles E. Thompson (Janice); daughter, Linda Thompson-Reid (Terry), both of River John; grandchildren, Ryan Thompson (Amy Fraser) and their children Liam and Rory, Millsville; Tyson Thompson, Halifax; Carlie Thompson, River John; Terri Lynne Reid, St. Francis Xavier University; Julia Raye Reid, River John; sisters, Pauline Harrington (Jim), Comox, B.C.; Evelyn Clarke (Ted), Nepean, Ontario; Marie Weatherby, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Uncle, Sterling MacKinnon (Irene), Truro; cousins, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews; close friends, Don and Eileen Heighton, Rollie and Minnie Cormier, John and Florence Craib and Donnie and Betty Langille. She was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Beatrice (MacKinnon) Weatherby; husband, Raymond E. Thompson (1997) and son-in-law, Larry Reid (1981). Visitation will be held today, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Salem United Church, River John with funeral service to be 3 p.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2010 in the Church, Rev. Dr. Douglas MacEachern officiating. Interment will be in Hamilton Cemetery, River John. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in Verna’s memory can be made to Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Coulter’s Funeral Home (657-3288) P.O. Box 190, Tatamagouche, N.S. B0K 1V0. Private condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.mmcfunerals.com