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VERNA CHRISTINE HOLGATE
Born: Nov 15, 1944
Date of Passing: Oct 18, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryVERNA CHRISTINE HOLGATE
It is with great sadness that family of Verna Christine Holgate (nee Westman) announce her passing on October 18, 2023.
She will be sadly missed by, her husband of 54 years, Laurie Dale Holgate; her daughters, Sheri Bobrowich and Kim Holgate; grandsons, Evan and Colin Bobrowich; sister Mikey Kuprowsky and sister and confidant Lesley Harrison and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, Nels Verner Westman and Polly Westman; and family members close to her heart, Micheal Washnuk, Richard Washnuk and Michelle Kopansky.
Verna was born November 15, 1944, She grew up in Elmwood with her two sisters, Mickey and Lesley, and spent her summer months at the cottage in White Lake or visiting with her mother's family in Reddit. She attended both Elmwood Elementary School and Elmwood High school. After graduating, she attended St. Boniface School of Practical Nursing, graduating in August 1963. A few years later in 1967, she attended a dance CFB Winnipeg where she met a handsome Airman named Laurie. Almost instantly she declared to her dad, “I met the man I’m going to marry.” They married one year later on October 26, 1968 and had a love affair that lasted just eight days short of 55 years.
Verna’s second passion was for practical nursing, a career she chose intentionally after experiencing a family member get compassionate care. During her nursing career she worked at St. Vital Hospital for Geriatric Care, (now the St. Amant Centre), Treherne Hospital, and in Home Care. Then in 1978 she was awarded the job as the Executive Director of The Manitoba Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, (Later The College of Licensed Practical Nurses), a job she held for over 25 years. Her career was stressful but rewarding, enabling her to be a passionate advocate for LPNs in Manitoba, and Canada. During her tenure she ensured the professions survival and growth. It was a hard fought battle but she secured Practical Nurses ability to work to their full potential for the benefit of all Manitobans. She was president of the Canadian Practical Nursing Association from 1999-2001, Trustee of The Licence Practical Nursing Foundation, and Co-Chair of a National Nursing Human Resource study that looked at overall education and utilization of nurses in Canada. In that role she was known for her keen ability to analyze a document and pick out the most important information.
After retirement she enjoyed spending time with her grandsons at the cottage, taking family vacations, traveling, researching family history on ancestry and getting together with “the girls”. She was generous, passionate, and she put her heart and soul into everything she did, to the benefit of us all.
We love you mom, and will miss you more than words can say.
A special acknowledgement for the friendship and support of Susan Washnuk, Marion Washnuk and lifelong friends Irene Gendron, Helen Rempel, Jessie Bonwick, Louise Sicotte, Jean Reimer and Anne Duma.
A special thank-you to the paramedics, and hospital staff at Beausejour Hospital, Health Science Center, and St. Boniface ACCU for all your compassionate care in Verna’s final days.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Canadian-Ukraine Foundation or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of Verna’s Life will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba, or by live stream www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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It is with sadness that I read of Verna’s passing. Although we had lost touch over the years, I have fond memories as classmates in elementary school and playing at her home with her sisters and cousins. My heartfelt condolences to all of the family. May your treasured memories help to ease your great loss. - Posted by: Linda Boughton (Childhood friend) on: Oct 31, 2023
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Our heartfelt condolences to Laurie and the family. Unfortunately we will be unable to attend Verna’s Memorial service but her memory will live on in our hearts. She was a very special cousin and is truly missed. John & Luba - Posted by: John Borys (Cousin) on: Oct 29, 2023
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My sincere condolences to all Verna’s family. Her dedication to LPN’s got them to where they are today in Manitoba’s Health Care I remember all the time’s together traveling across the province and Canada to the national meeting. Work times and fun times. Heaven gained another angel - Posted by: Carol Laible (Former board member,president of Manitoba, Vice President of National and staff member of College of) on: Oct 28, 2023
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Verna & I worked together, along with Board member to maintain LPÑs in Manitoba and across Canada. She was wonderful to work with. RIP - Posted by: Jackie Poloski (Former Board Member & President of MALPN) on: Oct 28, 2023