With much love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our mom, grandmother, sister cousin and dear friend, VERLA J. DOWELL (1941). Verla passed peacefully on December 18, 2020 in Vulcan Alberta.
Verla loved traveling, living, laughing and creating memories with her daughter Ruth Goodwin of Black Diamond (Murray Fath, Champion) and spending time with her son Roby Goodwin, his wife Nicole and grandchildren Avery and Nate of Lake County BC.
She spent many years traveling with good friend Eva Friesen, husband Stan Carscallen and their daughters Maria and Natalie McHenry (the girls’ Calgary Grandmother) as they competed in horse shows in Alberta, BC and Thermal, California. Making friends within the riding /equestrian circle who remember her as being kind, gentle and loving toward all. Her recipe for her famous oatcakes was shared with everyone who asked. There wasn’t a horse or human that didn’t enjoy those special treats.
Verla traveled to New Zealand, China, Mexico, Arizona and New York. Hiking, walking, cooking for family and friends (best dessert breakfast ever!!!) were her passions and she LOVED opera and live theater.
She created pottery pieces, artistic one of a kind in sewing and knitting and enjoyed gardening, calligraphy, and reading.
She studied at Dalhousie University – graduated with a Masters in Political Science while working in the Sears phone order room in Halifax NS.
Mom cared for stray animals and created a safe place for those friends of her children, who needed a place to call home: strays from 2 legged to 4 and some winged friends to boot. She had a distinct taste for pottery, paintings and everything antique. In the early married years, much time was spent traveling eastern Canadian farms and barns for antiques and treasures with then-husband, Al Goodwin and kids in tow. Visiting museums, she educated through history and remembering what once was so that we all appreciated the journey from home to destination.
Her favorite time of year and event was an annual family reunion or family gatherings that included close family, friends and plenty of laughter, food and a glass or two of wine.
She will be dearly missed by her brother Garry Dowell and wife Karen and their children Shelly, Rob, Surrey and Ryan, by her brother Dennis Dowell children Jay and wife Joanne, son Danny and daughter Rain Dowell, by extended family and cousins Elaine Woodward, Marj Green and husband Erie, Jim Renick and children Wayne, Sheila and Jimmy. Close friends Brenda Dowell, Margie and Duncan McKercher, Gail Smith, Brenda Sturgeon and Marcia Davis and the YWCA lunch.
Her love, care, and concern for the well-being of all living things translated into giving to local animal rescues and rehabilitation centres in Alberta each year.
Please consider donating to any of the following organizations of which she believed in and drew pleasure from supporting.
• Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation http://www.burrowingowl.com/
• Hope For Wildlife https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/
• CEI https://ceinst.org/wildlife-rehab/
Many thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, care support, specialty health care, and home care workers you were wonderful and she appreciated each one of you. You all gave her hope and showed her great respect and genuine kindness while in your care. Special thanks to the staff and residents of The High Country Lodge in Black Diamond, The Calgary Fanning Centre, and the Vulcan Extendicare facility and hospital.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Ruth & family
Jim and I were saddened to learn of Verla’s passing. May your memories wrap you in comfort to help you through this difficult time.
Dear Ruth, Roby and families,
Our heart-filled sympathies to all of you at this grief filled time. Verla and I met back in high school days and became close friends from the start. She had a very warm and out -going personality and lived life to the fullest. . We had great times together and I shall miss our lunches with Verla, Gail and myself. She was a remarkable gal and loved her family and friends very much. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Marge and Dunc
Dear Ruth, Roby and families,
Our heart-filled sympathies to all of you at this grief filled time. Verla and I met back in high school days and became close friends from the start. She had a very warm and out -going personality and lived life to the fullest. I have wonderful memories of times at Pigeon Lake, trips to the mountains and holidays to Arizona. We had great times together and I shall miss our lunches with Verla, Gail and myself. She was a remarkable gal and loved her family and friends very much. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Marge and Dunc
My sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. She was such a lovely person and I will always remember her for her beautiful smile. May you find comfort in all the fond memories you have of your mom.
Sandra
Ruth, Murray, Roby, Nicole, Avery, Nate and Verla’s family and friends, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Verla was talented woman who
showed kindness to others and lived life to its fullest with those she loved.
It is during times of great loss that we realize how limiting words can be and how special our friends and family truly are. Please know that you are not alone in remembering a truly remarkable lady, that meant so much to so many. May Verla, Rest In Peace!
Ruth and families,
My condolences to you on the passing of Verla. She was a wonderful lady and I will remember her for her great smile. May fond memories help ease your suffering. Take care!❤️
Sandra Grenwich