VERA HANNESON (CLARKE)

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VERA HANNESON (nee CLARKE) With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our loving mother, Vera Hanneson, peacefully on March 4, 2019, surrounded by family, at Vancouver General Hospital, at the age of 92. Vera was predeceased by her beloved husband, Olafur (Oli), in 2012, after being blessed with 61 years together. Left to dearly cherish her memory, are her children, Donna Lynne (Terry), Brenda (Peter) and Neil (Tracy), grandchildren, Paul (Joy), Christie (Mike), Amy (Marie) and Mark, and great-grandchildren, Blane, Drew, Jake, Max, Zoe, Lily, Eloise and Oskar. She also leaves to mourn, her dear brother Ben, brother-in-law Gus and many dear nieces, nephews and friends. Vera was born in Waukegan, Illinois, to Ethel and Stanley Clarke. She was the third of four siblings - Doris (Gus), Glen (Erica) and Ben (Star). Vera grew up in Teulon, MB and after she completed Normal School in Winnipeg, MB she accepted a teaching position in Langruth, MB, where she met and married the love of her life, Oli Hanneson, a local farmer. They were devoted to each other. In 1973, Vera, Oli and Neil moved to Vancouver, where she soon got a job at BC's Workers' Compensation Board. She kept in close contact with her many friends from WCB, until long after her retirement 17 years later. Vera had many interests and experiences, which included horseback riding, playing baseball, riding the roller coaster at Winnipeg Beach, being a proud member of the Langruth Royal Purple and curling in Langruth and Vancouver. Vera, being a 'Life Long Learner', was always interested in expanding her knowledge in areas of interest, including furthering her education training. She was an avid reader and an enthusiast when Vancouver hosted Expo '86 and the 2010 Winter Olympics. In a naturally occurring way, Vera became a caregiver to others, as she selflessly and compassionately became an important support to many. Residents and staff from Southview Independent Living, told how she had helped them and others and how much she was loved, respected and valued. Mom also held them in high regard as they, too, brought great joy to her days. Later, she made connections with both residents and staff at Royal Ascot Care Centre. Our sincere thanks, to friends and staff at both facilities, for their wonderful support and friendship. Numerous people, from where Mom lived and businesses she frequented, have described her as always being positive, cheery, friendly, helpful, kind, welcoming and sweet, and having a 'million dollar smile'. Her family knows this to be true. She was an intelligent, independent woman with great strength, determination and a keen sense of humour and exceptional wit, always choosing a positive outlook. Mom's Manitoba and Vancouver friends were very special and important to her. As a testament to this, many friends and family attended her 90th Celebration, with eleven being former Langruth students. One even brought her an apple! Family was everything to Mom and her kindness, caring, giving and unconditional love always shone brightly. She was always attentive, making sure everyone felt nurtured, special and loved. She will continually live on in our hearts, with the many treasured memories of her beautiful smile and gentle, loving ways. We dearly love you, and will cherish forever the wonderful gift you have blessed us with, by being a devoted, loving wife, and our devoted and loving Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma/ Amma and friend. We will truly miss you. Until we meet again... A beautiful, private celebration of Mom's life took place in Vancouver on March 9, 2019. If so desired, a memorial donation may be made in Vera's honour, to the Langruth Lutheran Church or the Langruth United Church, (Langruth, MB R0H 0N0) or to a charity of your choice. Mom and Dad, "YOU ARE OUR SUNSHINE".

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2019