MITCHELL: Verna Maude Mitchell (nee Hayward) passed away November 20, 2012 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Verna was born in Virden, Manitoba on November 28, 1926, to George and Helen Hayward. As a young adult, Verna moved to Brandon to seek employment. During that time, she met Alf Mitchell. They were married on June 4, 1946, and raised a family of four children at 141 Frederick Street, where they resided until 2003. Once the children were teenagers, Verna returned to work. She was employed at McKenzie Seeds, where she particularly enjoyed her time in the retail store, until her retirement. Verna enjoyed summers at the family cabin in Clear Lake's old campground, reading and spending time with neighbours, friends and family. She was also a member of the UCT Ladies Auxiliary. Out of Verna's love for knitting, a tradition began whereby each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren received their own infant sweater-set for their homecoming. After her retirement, Verna's leisure time also included tai chi, golfing and some travelling. When Alf entered Rideau Park Care Home in 2003, Verna moved to Riverheights Terrace; she grew fond of her time spent there and developed friendships with residents and staff alike. It was during this time that Verna's enthusiasm for learning found her behind a computer learning to email. While she did excel at this, considering her advanced age, she was never really sure where to find the carriage return lever. Alf passed away in 2006 and due to declining health, Verna moved to Rideau Park Care Home in 2007. There, she enjoyed bingo nights and her many visitors. Verna's passing leaves a void in the lives of her four children, Gary (Marlys), Marilyn (Keith Sherwin), Jim, and Guy; eight grandchildren, Sean (Jillian), Brett (Tracy), Chelsi (Tyler Hudson), Miles (Stacy), Ryan, Brin, Isaac, and Drew; and six great-grandchildren, Seth, Kobe, Aleda, Sammy, Seren and Kailey. She is also survived by two brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, as well as many nieces and nephews. Verna was predeceased by her only sister, Gertie, and her five brothers, Ray, Jack, Ted, Tommie, and Bob, with whom she had a special bond. A Come and Go reception was held at Memories Chapel on Thursday, June 20, 2013. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Verna may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba – Westman Region, Unit 4B – 457 9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 1K2.