Obituary of Verna Bernice Poole
Poole, Verna Bernice
Verna Bernice Poole (nee Gibson), 85, of Perth, Ontario died peacefully on Wednesday, July 7th, 2021. Her life is celebrated and her passing is mourned by her three loving daughters, Sandra Poole (David Meeker), Patti Kravacek (Dave), and Lori Poole (Roger Miller), daughter-in-law, Kelly Blair (Kevin), two sisters Norma Ennis (Dave) and Carol Brownlee (Jerry) and brother-in-law Glenn Poole (Betty). In addition, she is survived by twelve grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren whom she adored. Verna was predeceased by her beloved husband and partner of 57 years, Blair Poole, her son William “Bill” Poole and her brother and sister, Earl and Beatrice Gibson.
Verna was born to the late James “Carman” and Edna Gibson (Rodger), June 8,1936 and grew up on their century farm in Lammermoor, Ontario. She started her career as a teacher at Bulloch’s School. Soon afterwards, she transitioned into Office Administration, working for several years in Ottawa at Atomic Energy and Ottawa Hydro. While raising her four children, she and Blair co-founded and ran two successful businesses, namely B. Poole Structures Ltd. and Stor-N-Lock in Perth. In the early 1980’s, Verna was appointed Clerk Treasurer for North Burgess Township (now part of Tay Valley Township) and remained there, in a role she loved, until retirement in 1997.
Verna was a selfless and principled woman, sharp, generous, and always inquisitive. She enjoyed reading and was a keen student of international politics. She was active in the local community donating her time and expertise to a range of local causes as a long serving member of the Lioness Club and Bethel United Church.
She went about everything with meticulous care whether it was reconciling financial statements, teaching her children correct grammar usage, or making the perfect pie crust. Verna loved to travel. She and Blair covered thousands of miles in their RV, travelling across the continent from Labrador to Alaska, to the Rio Grande valley, visiting every province and nearly every state in the US.
Verna enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and she and Blair were fantastic hosts. They brought passion and energy to everything they did from organizing huge family dinner parties, to lively annual corn boils in their garage, to quiet pontoon boat rides on Otty Lake.
A memorial celebrating this kind and gracious woman will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name to The Bethel United Church in Rideau Ferry, Ontario (donations can be made by e-transfer to treasurer@bethelchurchrideauferry.ca or mailed directly to the church @ 1500 Rideau Ferry Road, Perth, ON K7H3C7) would be most appreciated.
Her family wishes to express special appreciation to the many dedicated healthcare professionals involved in her care over the years, and to all the staff at Carolina Residence, where she resided for the last few years.
Arrangements are in the care of Blair & Son Funeral Directors, Perth
