Verda Maria Pearson (nee Hendrickson) passed away peacefully in the Hospice Unit - St. Joseph’s Care Group on July 22, 2017 with family at her side.
She was born in Stambaugh, Michigan on November 3, 1917. Verda came to Port Arthur at four years of age with her parents Eli and Lily and brother Wilbert. During the depression she worked at the Hoito, helping many by paying for their meals out of her daily wage. Verda was very proud of graduating from the Registered Nursing Assistant program; she worked at the LPH for fourteen years after completing further studies to obtain a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant certificate. She enjoyed travelling; spending time in Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Florida. Verda loved playing cards with friends, Tai Chi with Peng You, bowling, shopping and eating out with her family. She never stayed home and attended almost every local social event including the teas at Branch #5 where she was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary for 33 years. She had a love for birds, animals and nature; Verda made sure every creature was fed, attracting many stray cats to her door who eventually made her bed their home.
Survived by daughters: Myrna (Tom) Ross and Linda Pearson; grandchildren: Steven (Mayette) Frederickson, Debbie (Pino) Ross-Bisignano, Liane (Bob) McKinnon, Todd (Leiann) Peart, Donald Ross, Lana Peart (Dave); great grandchildren: Ryan Best, Shanna (Jordan) Anness, Mathew Best, Tommy Wong, Quentin Khan; son-in-law: Douglas Frederickson (Brenda); niece: Lois (Bruce) Bickerton; nephew: John (Bonnie) Hendrickson. Other relatives also survive. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother, husband Walter (1989) and daughter Millie Frederickson (2003).
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 14, 2017 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, officiated by Rev. Matthew Diegel. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the time of Service. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Verda’s memory to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society.
