VERCHERE,
Sarah Margaret
1906 - 2003
Sarah Verchere completed her earthly journey and entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 1st, 2003. She peacefully slipped away surrounded by the love of her family and in comfort of her own home.
Predeceased by her loving husband Turner after a 61 year marriage, and son David (Mary), Sarah is survived by her son Bill, and daughters Annette McAlpine (Doug) and LInda Woodley (Glenn) and her loving sister Madeline Kulai (George). Also predeceasing her were her brothers John (Nellie) and Bill (Norma) McNeil.
As the family matriarch, Sarah was especially loved by her grandchildren: Harreson, Paul and Mari Verchere, Ian, Bruce and Megan Verchere, David, Duncan, John and Judi McAlpine, and Deborah, David, Barbara and Glenda Woodley. Her treasured memory resides in the hearts of her 18 great grandchildren who are old enough to have known her, and these memories will be passed on to those still too young, and to those still to come.
Born in Ladysmith on July 26th, 1906 Sarah was the eldest child of pioneer logger John Joseph McNeil and his wife Florence Ann McDonald. Sarah’s childhood years were spent with her family in logging camps near Ladysmith, Merville, Comox and Lake Cowichan. She attended St. Mary’s School in Ladysmith and after high school graduation, attended U.B.C. and the Victoria Normal School. Among her teaching assignments, she was the Principal of North Oyster School and also taught at Allenby, B.C. In 1929 at the age of 22, Sarah traveled for 3 months across Canada and United States. This initial foray ignited her lifelong love of traveling with featured highlights being crossing the Khyber Pass and surviving an earthquake in Guatemala.
Sarah was always devoted to her church and St. Mary’s parish, and was a charter member and first president of the Catholic Women’s League in Ladysmith.
She possessed unflappable dignity, a reassuring presence, and a consideration for others, while quietly nurturing her sharp mind, razor wit, and sly sense of humour. She was always more concerned with the welfare of others than her own, and these characteristics undoubtedly contributed to her longevity. Her life was truly blessed, as were the lives of those fortunate to have met her. She will be dearly missed.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Jozef Kobos at 2pm on Saturday, July 12, 2003 at St. Mary’s Church in Ladysmith.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements confidently assigned to Telford’s Mid-Island Memorial Services.