Verna Hazel Nelson of Regina passed away peacefully with family by her side on Aug. 15, 2015 at the age of 86. Verna was born on Aug. 17, 1928 in Brandon, Man., to Thomas and Anna Shaw. Her father was a market gardener who sold his produce in Brandon. The family farm also raised cattle, horses and chickens. Verna loved the farm life very much and in her early years, worked in the gardens and fields with her family. As a young woman, she worked for a number of years at various positions in Brandon as a bookkeeper, cashier and typist. She later moved to Regina and in 1959 she married William (Bill) Nelson of Stalwart and settled on the home quarter where they raised their family and continued to farm until their retirement to Moose Jaw in 1992. In her spare time, Verna liked to do liquid embroidery, gardening, keeping local history, reading and music. Bill and Verna also loved to attend dances throughout the area. Everyone knew Verna as a quiet and caring person who was always smiling. She also really enjoyed her visits with family and friends. In her later years she lived at the Ina Grafton Home in Moose Jaw and then at Princess Villa and Pioneer Village in Regina. Verna was predeceased by her husband William; parents Thomas and Anna Shaw; sisters Olive and Florence, and Jean (John) Halliday; brother Raymond (Edna); brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Grace Nelson and brother-in-law Robert Nelson. She leaves to mourn her son Howard (Cara) Nelson of Stalwart; daughter Shirley (Dean) Rae of Regina; grandchildren Max Nelson, Carter and Katrina Rae; sister-in-law Dolores Nelson of Regina as well as several nieces and nephews. A graveside service for family and friends was held at Liberty Cemetery, Liberty, Sask., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Following the service, a social to celebrate Verna’s life was held at the Liberty Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301-2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK., S4P 3X1. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com.