Obituary of VERLA BERNICE TOEWS

Sadly, we announce the peaceful passing of our Mother, Verla Bernice Toews, on December 17, 2025.

Verla was born on May 18, 1934 in Birnie, MB. She moved to Holland, MB where she was a teacher at Rae school #1253 before moving to Winnipeg where she made her home and raised her family.

She re-established her career at Eaton’s, then Hudson’s Bay. From there, she worked at Josten’s as a supervisor for page layouts for school yearbooks until her retirement almost 30 years later.

Verla was predeceased by her mother and father, Lousia and Roland Higgins. Siblings; Murray, Shirley, Doreen, and Leonard. Grandson, Dustin, and Daughter-in-Law, Donna.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Venetta. Children; Valerie, Lorraine (Emile), Larry, Debbie (Bill), and Richard. 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She will be mourned by her many friends at Atlantic-Garden City United Church, Dufferin Seniors Centre, and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #141.

Faith was an important part of Verla’s life. She was a longtime parishioner of Atlantic-Garden City United Church.

She was a dedicated member of Legion #141 where she served on the Executive for many years.

She served as a secretary and volunteer at Dufferin Senior’s Centre until the age of 89.

She enjoyed many years with Girl Guides of Canada as a brownie leader in her community. As well as many hobbies, including bowling, golf, ceramics, crocheting, and knitting. Verla loved to knit for family, friends, and charitable causes.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Atlantic-Garden City United Church (725 Atlantic Avenue, Winnipeg, MB). Interment will be held at a later date. To watch the funeral via livestream, follow the link below: 

 https://youtube.com/live/YzczqyeQpTc?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Verla’s honour to either Siloam Mission, Dufferin Senior’s Centre, or Atlantic-Garden City United Church.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all the Care Providers that so professionally, and with compassion, provided our mother with the care she received.

Mom’s dedication, commitment, and love to her family is forever embellished in our hearts and minds. Her life has been a “job well done”!