ELVERA (VERA) MARIE BRACKEN (VAN RYSSEL)

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ELVERA (VERA) MARIE BRACKEN (nee VAN RYSSEL) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vera, beloved wife of the late Jack, mother and grandmother on Friday, November 15, 2013 at Pine Falls Hospital. She leaves to mourn daughter Pat McIntyre (Richard), son Barry (Ferne), son Wayne (Laurie), and grandchildren Michael, Shannon, Kathryn, John and Dexter. She is also survived by her sister Elsie McLeod and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Rosalie Van Ryssel, brothers Bert Van Ryssel (Cora, Ora) and Maurice Van Ryssel (Kathrine), brother-in-law Wally McLeod, sisters-in-law Jean Bishop (Ted), Margaret Boyce (Bill), Mary Davidson (Gary), and nephew Pat Davidson. Vera was born October 5, 1929 on the family farm in Oak Bank, Manitoba. She grew up, married and lived in Oak Bank all her life. She taught school at West Melrose in 1946 at the age of 17. Vera later worked at Springfield Motors, serving gas, where she met Jack. They were married June 3, 1950 during the height of the flood. While her children were in school, she worked at Suburban Electric and then the Post Office in Oak Bank. Vera was involved in the Brownie/Girl Guide Movement for over 20 years. She was a member of Oak Bank United Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, was a member of the UCW and the church board and later became an elder. She was a cast member for many years with the church dinner theatre. Vera spent many years performing with The Sweet Adelines. Vera enjoyed spending winters with Jack in Glendale, Arizona for 20 years. She loved to watch baseball and curling. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 21 at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Bank United Church, 582 Balsam Crescent, Oak Bank, MB with Reverend Cathy Kinsman conducting the service. Honorary pallbearers will be Neil Van Ryssell, Dennis McLeod, Roger Van Ryssel, Terry Trush, Clarence Chapko, Norville Christopherson and Jim Raitt. Special thanks extended to the Pine Falls Hospital staff for their caring and patience. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery (204) 222-3241 Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 19, 2013