Verna Mary Rita McKercher

Miss Verna Mary Rita McKercher peacefully completed her life’s journey surrounded with love on Sunday October 4th 2015 at Pioneer Ridge. 

This classy, talented , generous,  independent  lady was a special Sister, Sister-in-law, Aunt, Great Aunt, Great Great  Aunt, Loyal Friend and Auntie Verna to many.

Verna was blessed to have a circle of true and devoted friends in her life. She will be lovingly remembered by them.  As many would say you have to be a good friend to have good friends and Verna was just that; a loyal friend. She is also survived by many that considered her their “Auntie Verna” or also known as “Auntie Nerna”

Verna was born February 28th 1923 in Port Arthur and has been a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay. She attended St. Andrew’s and P.A.C.I Collegiate Institute and then Kings College. Her introduction to the “real world” as she called it commenced in war time on August 31 1942 working in the Engineering Department at “Pascol”- Port Arthur Shipbuilding Co. She was the only female in a staff of up to 23 men.

She had an interesting and broad working career that included St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Centre, the Ministry of Natural Resources, followed by working for a prominent lawyer doing Estate Work, Corporation and Real Estate, with her final stop in the position as Title Searcher for the Department of Highways for N.W. Region until her retirement.

Long-time resident on G.T. Harris Road at Hawkeye Lake at “Innisfree”, lifetime parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish, active volunteer with the Quilter’s Guild holding a positon as President, St Joseph’s Care Group volunteer, Akala for Cub Scouts. She had a thirst to travel and that is just what she did. She enjoyed a good bridge game and was a skilled speed skater. She was an avid reader and letter writer extraordinaire.

Survived by her brother-in-law Gerry Harris, Nieces and Nephews, Bob McKercher, Catherine (Ron) Gillies, Jane Palmer, Michael (Shirley) Harris, Mary Anne Comuzzi, Sean (Martha) McKercher, Robert (Sandra) Harris.

Great Nieces & Nephews; Heather Gillies, Cristin Parker, Matthew Palmer, Ryan and Daniel Harris, Adam and Kathleen Comuzzi,
Daniel and Shannon McKercher, Carly and Miranda Harris. Great Great Nieces; Susannah Parker and Emily Hall

Verna was predeceased by her parents Robert and Theresa, as well as her Sister and Best Friend Vivian (Harris) and Brother Francis.
A mass to celebrate Verna’s life will be held at Corpus Christi Church on Friday October 9th at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations, if one wishes, can be directed to George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation.

The Family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the 3rd floor Staff of Pioneer Ridge Nursing Home. Your compassion and concern for not only Verna as well as the family was greatly appreciated. You truly are the unsung heroes THANK YOU!