Obituary of Verna May Currie

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Verna May Currie announce that she left her earthly home to go to her heavenly home on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at the age of 91.

Born in Hartland, NB on May 3, 1932; she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Emily (Grant) Howells and the wife of the late Angus Currie who passed away in 1974.

Imagine if you will the echoes of childrens’ laughter in the hollowness of the Hartland covered bridge, as a wee girl, little Verna May, along with her playmates, running with her long, beautiful, jet-black braids flowing out behind her. Carefree, so loved and cherished by her dear Mum, Dad, and Grandmother. Singing at the top of her lungs, just like the country-and-western singers she heard on the radio. 

There was no way to know how life would turn out. A life filled with laughter, music, love, heartache, salvation, redemption, good and bad health. 

Her arms were made to cuddle her babies. Her back made to work hard without the modern conveniences of today. Her hands to make endless loaves of bread, and wash mountains of dishes. Her voice to bring music and laughter into our lives and homes. She could be heard a “county-mile” singing and yodelling better than any singer on the radio. We, as a family, generation after generation have her to thank for our musical abilities. 

The loss of Daddy at such a young age, she now beared the burden of finishing raising us younger girls and brother, and also continuing the full responsibility of the care of her younger brother, Bobby. When she moved us from the back woods of Lower Ridge, it must have been hard. She would have memories of her precious mother who lived right down the road and was her best friend. 

But she was a woman who looked forward, not backwards. She was searching… searching for something more in her life: a Saviour, and she found Him at the alter of a UPC church. Her heart, life, speech, mission was forever changed. She took the Great Commission to the limit even right until her last days, still preaching and witnessing to the doctors, nurses, cleaning ladies, her family. It was a 47 year love affair with sharing the Gospel.

How many doors has she knocked on? How many miles has her little feet walked? How many Bible studies taught, children brought to Sunday school, and lives changed? Some are still serving the Lord today and it’s because of her reaching out. 

The love she had for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren shone through every visit. She was the Matriarch of over 60. Our loss is endless, her gain is her well-deserved Heavenly reward.

Well done thou good and faithful servant. Welcome home.

Verna’s faith and love will live on in the hearts of her children: Daniel (Sarah) of Calais, ME, Henry of Poodiac, Richard (Elaine) of Norton, Nancy McAllister (Ernie) of Snider Mountain, Randy (Cheryl) of Wards Creek, Anne Williams (Bev) of Erb Settlement and Norma Currie of Sussex Corner; her sister, Jane Parkins (John) of Darmouth, NS; her grandchildren: Marilee, Rachael (Gerry), Henderson, Josh, Chris (Sammie), Rodney (Camey), Carmen, Adam (Katie), twins: Joel and Jesse (Beth), Carrie (Grant), Aaron (Brittany), Benjamin (Missy), Melissa (Aaron), Brett, Ted (Megan), Mitchell (Amanda) and Zane (Morganne); her great grandchildren: Jesse, Jisaiah, Cody, Ethan, Meaghan, Alyssa, Katelyn, Chelsea (Jonathan), Hannah, Bronwyn, Lukas, twins: Isaac and Aaron, Lerah, Jake, Tyler, Brooklyn, Emily, Dylan, William, Henry, Dane, Piper, Zadie and twins: Harlow and Scout; her great great grandchildren: twins: Stryker and Silus; her best friend and daughter-in-law, Mary Currie; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her daughters: Linda and Hazel; her stepsons: Donald, Milton, Manzer, Jerry and Jack; her brother, Bobby; her grandson, Anthony and by her son-in-law, Jaime.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). Visitation will be held from Abundant Life Pentecostal Church on Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM. A Celebration of Verna’s life will be held from Abundant Life Pentecostal Church on Monday, August 7 at 2:00PM.

Donations in memory of Verna may be made to Lower Ridge Cemetery or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through wallacefuneralhome.com.