Glawson, Vera

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GLAWSON: Vera passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, at Valleyview Care Centre in Brandon, Manitoba on July 27, 2021. She was in her 100th year. Vera was predeceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, Jack (John H.) Glawson, in 2003; her parents Alexander and Eva Clark; her sisters Margaret Styles, Erma Purser, and Edna Robinson; her brothers Wallace, Lorne, Gordon, and Boyd; her nieces Lorna May Clark and Muriel McKinnon; and her nephew, Norman Clark. Vera will be lovingly remembered by daughter Lydia (Rod Whetter), son Bruce (Victor Reyes), grandchildren Erin Cancade (Brent McCulloch), Julie Cancade (Alex SenGupta) and Steven Cancade (Buffy) and great-grandchildren Oliver, Mahira, Gus, Rafa and Ludo. She is also survived by Jack's sister, Bette Coates; sister-in-law, Beatrice Player; her former son-in-law, Francis Cancade, and many beloved nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Vera Clark was born on January 12, 1922 on her parents' farm near Somerset, Manitoba, the 5th of 8 children. She spent her childhood there where her fondest memories include doing chores, attending Beaconsfield Church, taking piano lessons from her mother and sister Edna, and playing games with her siblings. In 1940, Vera attended Normal School in Winnipeg, and graduated with a Teacher's Certificate. She taught in Northfield School near Wawanesa, at Baldur and in Hartney, Manitoba. At a town hall dance in Hartney, Vera met the love of her life, Jack, just home from overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery. Jack and Vera were married in the Beaconsfield District on July 26, 1947. They settled in Brandon where Jack established Glawson Painting and Decorating Ltd. Vera was Jack's bookkeeper and he often boasted how Vera would balance the books right down to the last cent. Vera was an active member of St. Paul's, Central and Knox United Churches, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. She also belonged to the Urbanacres Toastmistress Club. Vera was a proud organizer of a group of mothers of lesbians and gays who met and supported each other. She was a valued member and an inspiring role model of the later incarnation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Brandon. After Jack and Vera retired in 1983, they did much travelling with family and friends. They spent several winters at Towerpoint Park in Mesa, Arizona. They enjoyed square dancing with the Brandon Circle Eight, and made many dear friends there. They liked to encourage beginners and Vera was known to "call" some dances for these introductory sessions held in their home. They also attended national and international square dance jamborees. Summer weekends up until 2000 were spent first at their trailer, then their 3rd St. South cabin in the Old Campground at Clear Lake where many happy family memories were made. Vera enjoyed playing cards with friends, researching family genealogy, and "ringing bells'' at the Central Community Centre. An old-time school friend of Jack's once said, "Vera was the best thing that ever happened to Jack,'' and without hesitation Jack replied, "You can say that again!" Vera had a profound impact on so many lives. One of her nephews wrote, "The room always seemed to be brighter when she was present. Truly a beautiful person in all ways." From a niece, "She was one-of-a-kind who will be dearly missed. She truly demonstrated how to adapt with the times, and age with grace. She will always be a model for us to strive to be relevant, caring, intelligent and quick-witted throughout our entire lives." Those who wish may make a donation in memory of Vera to the Westman Hospice Association (westmanhospice.ca). Vera's family would like to thank all the friends, relatives and care workers who were so supportive and loving to our mother. She touched the hearts of many devoted staff at Valleyview Care Centre, who lovingly looked after her. Funeral arrangements are pending for a service to take place in the fall. Details will follow closer to the service date.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at
www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 07, 2021