In Loving Memory of
Verna Maryetta Willner
October 28, 1928 — September 15, 2016
Verna Willner (née Wightman) was born in Davidson, Sask. on October 28, 1928, the oldest of three children of the late Kenneth and Mary Wightman of Craik.
Verna was predeceased by her husband Arthur Willner in 1977 and her brother Lyle Wightman in 2016.
She is survived by her sister Nola Manz and her children:
Linda (Gary) Osmachenko, Scott (Elaine) Osmachenko, and Amy (Derek) Hoiseth;
Gordon (Laura) Willner, David (Marisa) Willner, Don (Karielle) Willner, Jessica (Jeff) Foster, Hayley Willner, and Sydney Willner;
Jerry (Heather) Willner, Courtney (James) LaFramboise, and Tyler Willner;
Nancy Quenell, Barbara Morrison, and Harley Quenell.
Verna also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
The most important thing in Gramma’s life was family. In her last moments she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Raised through the ‘30s, she knew the value of hard work and being resilient: moving from Girvin to Pelly to survive two dust bowls, living with uncles and aunts to complete her schooling, from Girvin to Craik and finally working at Morrisons’ to pay for her room and board, so she could complete her Grade 12 and graduate in Davidson.
Her marriage to Art Willner in 1949 gave her the life of a busy farmer’s wife: raising four kids, growing huge vegetable and fruit gardens, chickens, fresh baked bread and basement shelves packed with preserves and jams, and in her “spare” time caring for her flowers, glads and lilies.
Mom and Dad moved to town in 1974 but with Dad’s passing in 1977, Mom’s resilience took her back to work, first at J.V.’s Restaurant and then to the Prairie View Lodge.
Retirement didn’t slow her down. Her door was always open to family, friends and neighbours. Gramma’s was the go-to spot for her grandchildren. If you had an after-school sport or 4-H, or if you just missed the bus, there was always something to eat at Gramma’s. Even the occasional babysitting for family and her young neighbours kept her spirit young.
Trips to hot spots with friends, senior games and the centre kept her social calendar full. She stayed in her home almost until the end, with the help of home care, meals-on-wheels and the silent army of volunteers who drove her to her “appointments.” Thanks.
She has left us with a great legacy of family!