**There is a shiny new star twinkling in the heavens tonight, Verna Routledge 1925-2024** Our beloved Mom passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, surrounded by family. Our darling Mama was everything to us, and her absence will be felt deeply. She will be lovingly remembered and forever cherished by all her family, friends, and loved ones. A true inspiration, she touched the lives of so many, making a profound difference in our world with her gentle spirit, enduring kindness, and boundless optimism. She had an amazing work ethic matched only by her wonderful sense of humor, she was always the first to suggest organizing a fun get-together. While she cherished her lifelong friends, she also loved making new ones, truly interested in hearing about what was going on in all our lives. Born in Vancouver and raised in various communities across British Columbia, she grew up with three sisters and a brother. The family first settled in Powell River, then moved to Nanaimo for school, ultimately finishing high school in Kamloops. After graduation, she enlisted and moved to Calgary, where she volunteered with the Canadian Armed Forces Women’s Division until the end of World War II. Following her passion for serving others, she pursued a career in nursing at the Vancouver General Hospital, where she met and married our Dad. She embraced their new life together, which included his three brothers and a sister, all of whom had just returned from the war and were starting families of their own. It was a time filled with close friendships and lively family celebrations, with kids and dogs everywhere. As the years passed, our family grew with the additions of Jaye, Stu, and Lee. We moved from North Van to Coquitlam, where we all attended school, and she enjoyed a successful career in real estate. Most weekends, Mom and Dad opened their home to friends and family, filling it with laughter and fond memories. In the early days of her retirement, Mom and Dad embarked on their bucket list, traveling and enjoying each other’s company before the sudden and untimely passing of our Dad. During that challenging time, she found comfort with a close-knit group of girlfriends who loved to golf and play cards; she treasured the support of those wonderful women. A few years later, she was fortunate to find love again and moved to Kelowna with her partner, Bill McGhee. She spent her golden years enjoying duplicate bridge, learning tai chi, and swimming, with winters in Palm Springs and summers spent on the golf course. She spent countless hours volunteering with various organizations, including her church and hospital outreach programs. She loved living closer to her sisters, and of course, our family celebrations continued. Mom was slow to anger and quick to forgive, always the first to offer a helping hand to anyone in need, and a steadfast friend to many. She was a devoted wife to her husband Dan, and later to her partner Bill; a wonderful mother and treasured friend to her daughter Jaye (Neil Gray), son Stewart (Adrienne Wells), and daughter Lee (Doug Turner). She took immense pride in being a Grandma to grandchildren Ashley (Tim Ashworth), Vanessa (Matt Keller), Adam, Matt, Margaret, and Amanda, as well as great-grandchildren Mason, Ryker, Ava, Luca, Eden, Wilder, and Avery. She always made room in her heart and home for our extended family, including Kevin and Azure Turner, Wendy Routledge, Al Fraser, and countless nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Our Dad has been waiting patiently for her, along with the rest of her welcoming committee: her close friend and partner Bill, her great-granddaughter, our very own angel baby Eden Ashworth, her parents Charles and Marion Lee, brother Reg (Myrtle Lee), and sisters Sophie (Sid Foley), Marion (Jack Bews), and Laura (Harry Grieve), and son-in-law, Neil Gray. Our Mom just celebrated her 99th birthday, and we are grateful for the many years we had with her—more than we could have ever hoped for. Now, it is time to share her with her heavenly family. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Gateby, who provided exceptional care and support for her these past few years. Your kindness helped her transition with grace, and we are forever grateful. Our Mom, Verna, was a truly positive influence who always sought the best in people, never missing an opportunity to express her gratitude. In her later years, as her memory began to fail, she would always ask us if we were happy and if we were well, and that is what she would like us all to remember, Be happy and Stay well♥️ If ever there was an angel who earned her wings here in this world, we are certain it was our Ganny. Rest easy now Mom; you did a good job! Until we meet again, you will remain in our hearts forever.♥️♥️♥️

 

 

 

 

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home,

Phone: 250-542-4333

Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com