Truro, NS
July 13, 2024
Verna Grace (MacKenzie) Purdy – 92, Truro, entered the presence of her Heavenly Saviour on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash.
Verna was raised in Harmony, and after high school she attended Success Business College in Truro; upon graduation she worked at Bentley’s Department Store until she married in 1952. Verna and her husband, Gerry, were married in Truro and during their short time together raised four children. Gerry lost his brief battle with cancer in 1964 in Peterborough, Ontario. Verna moved back to Truro shortly thereafter with her young family and worked tirelessly raising the children on her own. In 1969 Verna was hired as the secretary at First Baptist Church in Truro where she spent 40 years. She proudly trained several ministers over her 40 years, retiring in 2010. Anyone who knew her would agree she spent her entire life doing for others.
In 2019 Verna moved to Munro Court in Truro where she spent four years. She enjoyed her time there knitting, reading and spending time with her new friends. In October 2023 Verna moved to East Cumberland Lodge in Pugwash, where she lived out the last nine months. The family would like to thank the staff at Munro Court, VON staff and East Cumberland Lodge for looking after mom so well during the last five years of her life.
Verna was predeceased by her parents, Bert and Bertha (Lynds) MacKenzie and her husband, Gerald.
Verna is survived by her four children, Chris (John) Heartz, Brookfield; David Purdy (Roseanne Armitage), South Carolina; Diane (Don) Timmons, Kenaston, Saskatchewan; Michele (Don) Meech, Truro; sisters, Bea Tilsley (Cunningham), Lake Ainslie; Jennie Whalen, Truro; brother, Ronald (Maxine) MacKenzie, Prince George, British Columbia; grandchildren, Melissa (Brad) Taylor, Hillary (Bobby) Baden, Brett Meech, Blake Meech, Dylan AP (Kyle) Hillebrand; great grandchildren, Kirsten, Brooklyn, Madison, Harrison Taylor, Joshua, Noah, Elijah; several nieces and nephews.
At Verna’s request a private family graveside service will be held at a later date in Harmony Cemetery. If so desired, donations in Verna’s memory to Canadian Bible Society are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro.
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