Obituary of Verna Sands

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Verna Ellen Sands, who at 82 years of age went home to be with the Lord. She died peacefully with her family by her side, at the Saint John Regional Hospital on April 4, 2024. Verna was born in Newcastle Creek on July 1, 1941. She was the daughter of the late Murray and Lois McMann. 

Verna and her husband, Clyde were married on November 9, 1963 and they welcomed their son Mark on September 3, 1967. They lived in Saint John for many years and frequently spent time at their beautiful cottage on the Belleisle Bay, where they had the best times with wonderful friends. 

Verna worked as a hairdresser and kept in touch with some of her clients over the years. When she and Clyde had both retired, they sold their home and cottage and moved to Sussex.

Verna loved cooking and baking, flowers and gardening, playing bridge, reading a good book, watching curling on TV and spending time with her family and friends. Sunday night suppers were a common thing and something she and her family always looked forward to. There was never a dull moment around her kitchen table and the delicious meal was always accompanied by lots of laughs and love. Verna had a way of making everyone around her feel special. She was kind, generous, strong, forgiving, always optimistic, funny and just a joy to be around. She was a true inspiration to her family, and she was loved more than words can say. 

Verna will be sadly missed by her nieces and nephews: Ronda and Bobby Proctor, Rona and Michael Kyle, Ronnie Morrison and Lauren Shea, Randy Morrison and Karen McMillan, Barry and Susan McMann, and Sherri Hourihan; great nieces and nephews; Katie, Charlie, Marley, Hailey, Hudson, Ali, Logan, Hannah and Lindy; as well as Christopher, Krista, Sam and Gabi Kelter who were very special to her; sister-in-law, Lois Bunnell and many cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents Murray and Lois McMann and her step-mother, Inez McMann; her husband, Clyde Sands and son Mark Sands; her sister, Gloria Morrison; and brothers, Bob and Earle McMann.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex (506-433-1176). A service celebrating Verna’s life will be held from Sussex Baptist Church, 28 Church Ave, Sussex on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 2:00pm, with a reception to follow.

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has requested the John T. McMillan Memorial Foundation or the charity of your choice. The family would like to extend their deepest thanks for the excellent care given to Verna by the staff of Extra-Mural Sussex, the Sussex Health Center and the Saint John Regional Hospital.