Verna Isabella (Brown) Simpson

Verna Isabella (Brown) Simpson, aged 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 28, amidst loving family and staff at the Wolfville Nursing Home. Verna was born in Sydney Mines on November 27, 1919 to John A. Brown and Hilda (Colburn) Brown. She graduated from Sydney Mines High School. Unwilling to leave her beloved Cape Breton, Verna tuned down a scholarship to Acadia University and instead accepted employment with the British Canadian Co-op, where she had her own counter. After marrying William Currie Simpson, she took a position with the MacDougall insurance firm, which she held for over thirty years. While working full time, Verna took shorthand and typing courses at Night School and accounting via correspondence; she later taught shorthand and typing to adults at the Night School in Sydney Mines. Active throughout her retirement years, Verna was an avid trout fisherwoman, played piano with the Sydney Mines Fun Band, and travelled extensively with her best friend Lena Patrick. She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge for over 60 years, sang in the choir of Carmen United Church, was a lifetime member of the U.C.W., and was active in the Hospital Women's Auxiliary. She enjoyed cards, bingo, and various seniors' clubs. Verna is survived by her son J. William Simpson; daughter- in- law, Joan; three grandchildren, Joanne, of New Minas; Katherine of Halifax; and Stephen (Caitlynn) of Dartmouth and four great grandchildren, Justin, Keegan, Emily, and Chloe; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, William she was predeceased by her brother, James Brown and sister, Myrtle (Bonar). The family would like to thank the staff at the Wolfville Nursing home for their exceptional care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the NS Chapter of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. At Verna's request there will be no visitation; her memorial service and reception will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016 in Orchard Valley United Church, New Minas, Reverend Ivan Norton officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Sydney Mines. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.