Obituary of Vera Aleen Dermody

DERMODY - It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Vera Aleen (Hanson) Dermody in the presence of her beloved husband, John and daughter, Cathy on Monday, March 28, 2005. Vera was predeceased by her parents Ellert and Rosa Hanson, pioneers of the Lajord District and by her father-in-law and mother-in-law Mally and Catherine Dermody, like pioneers, and of the Kennedy District; also by her son Jim who died in a tragic auto accident in 1968 at the age of 18 years; by sisters Opal Kennedy, Bertha Ross, Bernice Kennedy; and brothers Harold, Bert and Roy. Vera is survived by her husband John and daughter Cathy and sisters Ethel Berkey and Myrtle Eaton and twin sisters Violet Benz and Verna Armstrong; sister-in-law Louise (Bert) Hanson; brother-in-law Howard Dermody and also by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Vera was born in Lajord on February 26, 1917 (88 years ago). She was a graduate of Lajord School and Central Collegiate, Regina. After graduation Vera assumed the position of Bookkeeper for Canada Life in Regina. In 1942 she became the Secretary-Treasurer of R.M. of Hazelwood No. 94 at Kipling. In 1945 Vera married John upon his return from overseas duty. In 1952 the family moved to Smiley where Vera assumed the position of Secretary-Treasurer of R.M. of Prairiedale No. 321. In 1959 the family moved to Milestone where John was appointed Secretary-Treasurer of R.M. of Caledonia No. 99 and for a ten year period Administrator of the Town of Milestone. At Johns retirement in 1977 he and Vera took up residence at their cottage at Kenosee and later in Regina. A number of enjoyable winters were spent in Texas, Vancouver and London, England. Vera recognized the importance of supporting her community and contributed freely of her time and talents to community projects wherever she lived. She was Secretary and assisted in the establishment of a Hospital District and continuing in that capacity until Kipling Memorial Union Hospital was built, equipped and in operation. She was Secretary of the provisional committee to establish a Care Home for Senior Citizens in Milestone and was appointed Secretary of the Housing Authority when it was established. Vera was a member of a committee to organize for and build a Senior Citizen Drop-In-Centre in Kenosee Lake Village. She was the first lady to be elected to two consecutive terms of office on the council of the Town of Milestone. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue with Rev. Jack Bray officiating. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. Condolences to the family may be emailed to reception@speersfuneralchapel.com Dear Mom: We are grateful for the goodness and joy, the laughter and kindness you brought to all of us. We treasure the beauty of your life and the way you shared it with others. You will always be a precious part of our lives. With all our love, John and Cathy