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Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
VERNA DEANNA KEELER
Verna Deanna Keeler (née Moore) took her last breath August 22, 2024, at Deloraine Hospital with family by her side. She was surrounded by family and friends in the days preceding her passing.
Verna was born to Edward and Hazel (Woodard) Moore in Portage la Prairie on May 7, 1942, and shared her childhood in Newdale, MB, with brother Ted. When the family moved to Hamiota in her teen years, Verna enjoyed working at the IGA store owned by the Robinsons who became her second family. She excelled at school and graduated from Brandon College as a teacher, where she also found Ron, the love of her life.
Verna is survived by her husband and fellow adventurer of 60 years, Ron Keeler of Deloraine, Manitoba. Two short years after their wedding, they signed up for three years as teachers in Mombasa, Kenya, which was the start of many future travels.
Verna worked as an English teacher in Africa and Canada, took time to raise her family, then returned to work outside her home as a Resource teacher which required post-grad university classes.
Verna and Ron passed their love of travelling and exceptional good looks to three daughters and five grandchildren. Daughter Michelle and husband Blake Sinclair live in Bragg Creek, AB, and have two children, Anna and Jeff. Carolyn and husband Steve Welch are in Ottawa with son Tyus. Marcia and husband Eric Monteith are in Calgary with kids Nathan and Joshua.
Verna believed in the importance of community. The Deloraine Border Festival, the United Church, the Deloraine Med Friends, People to People, the Deloraine Library, the Deloraine Figure Skating Club, the Lionel’s, the schools and many other organizations and causes benefited from countless hours of her time. Her flower gardens were her passion and pride, and another gift to visitors and passersby. Verna also corrected and graded countless essays and papers in her years as an English teacher so God willing there are no typos in this notice.
We are grateful to the staff of Deloraine Hospital and the volunteers of the Palliative Care Committee for their loving care and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the Deloraine United Church at 2 pm with a reception to follow at Mountview Centre
Her final instructions to family were to "above all, be kind."
Donations in memory of Verna may be made to the Deloraine Central Park by way of the Municipality of Deloraine-Winchester (note “for the Central Park”).
As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 24, 2024
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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George and I were very sad to learn of Verna's death. George and Verna graduated from Brandon University in 1963 and Verna was the Class Lady Stick. Over the years we have kept in touch and last year were together with the Class of '63 at their 60th reunion and celebration. Verna and Gerald Butler were the organizers and we are so glad we were able to attend and enjoy the evening. We are offering our most sincere condolences to Ron and their families and to all of Verna's friends. She was such a lovely lady who contributed generously to her family and the community. - Posted by: George & Carol Anne Trowell (friend) on: Aug 31, 2024
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I offer sincere condolences to the family. Verna was a special lady, always welcoming and kind. - Posted by: Robert Macdonald (Friend) on: Aug 27, 2024
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She was the best. My sincerest condolences. - Posted by: Don Ballard (Friend + student) on: Aug 26, 2024
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My deepest condolences! I remember Verna and Ron when I lived in Deloraine. Verna was always a special lady!! Rest Eternal Grant unto Her O Lord, and Let Light Perpetual Shine Upon Her! Good and Faithful Servant - Posted by: Scott coulter (Friend) on: Aug 26, 2024
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I am very sad to learn of the death of Verna. She was a special woman with many talents. Above all I will remember her kind nature and loving smile. Verna will be missed. Rest easy with Jesus Verna - Posted by: Faye McLoughlin (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2024