Verna Mildred Stolz (née Coates)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Verna Mildred Stolz in her 107th year. She slipped away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Woods Park Retirement Centre, Barrie. Verna was a kind, loving person who cared deeply for her family. She was a very encouraging and devoted individual who shared her quiet wit and straight forward approach as she made her way through life. We so admired her strength.

Verna was born in 1919 in Salem District, Manitoba. She was the third youngest of nine children born to William and Margaret (Moffat) Coates. Verna experienced life on the farmstead developing her qualities of faith, independence, creativity and strength. During WW2, she moved to Winnipeg living with her sister Edith. She worked as a domestic and briefly at Trans Canada Airlines Factory. She then relocated to Toronto, where she met a friend who convinced her go to work in the Hearst Mission Hospital. Verna met Nick at the church youth group. They married on Sept 6, 1948, built a home and had seven children. While raising her family, she supported St. Matthew’s and St. Paul’s Churches and developed many wonderful friendships. Verna received her Lifelong Membership of the Legion for her service and dedication. She loved music, baking cinnamon buns and her beloved Blue Jays. She showed her independence pedaling her two wheeled bike well into her 80s. In 2016, Verna moved to Barrie to be closer to her family.

Verna is survived by her children Robert (Carolyn), Keith (Sue), Ron (Jane), Late Gary (Renee), Marlene (Wyn), Sheila (Ron) and Bruce (Rosalie). She is so cherished by 16 grandchildren and 25 precious great grandchildren. She is also survived by sister-in-law Gertrude (Deceased -Bill) Coates and sister-in law Margaret Bastin (nee Stolz). Verna is predeceased by husband Nick, March 13, 2006, son Gary, July 19, 1992, and granddaughter Kelly Ann, January 18, 2020.

Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the staff at Woods Park for the compassionate, loving care provided to Mom during her stay for the past nine plus years. Also, thanks to the Ontario Help at Home Programme who provided personal care at this difficult time.

As per Verna’s wishes cremation has occurred. A Celebration of Her Life will be held in the Chapel at Woods Park Retirement Centre on November 16 at 10:30 am. A service will be held at a later date at St. Matthew’s and St. Paul’s Anglican and United Church, followed by burial at Hearst Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Matthew’s and St. Paul’s Anglican and United Church, 28th Ninth St., P.O. Box 1029, Hearst, Ontario P0L 1N0. Ph. 705-362-2089.