Verna Joan Dryburgh

Born at Winnipeg, MB at the dawn of the global financial depression, 1930. Died May 29 2025 at Victoria, BC due to a stroke in her 95th year.

Lived on belovèd West Coast during WWII at Deep Cove Vancouver Island, and at Ucluelet, resuming life in Winnipeg for duration and after the war, until returning permanently, courageously, to start a new life with her children in Victoria BC, in the late 1960’s.

Predeceased by parents John Kamell and Florence (Deakin) Kamell, sister Lois and brother-in-law Robert Garner. Remembered by sister Shirley and brother-in law Michael Mason, brother Gregory; nieces and nephews Kim Garner(Mark), Kevin Garner ( Linda), Rob Garner (Angie), Luca and Lily; Amy (Mason) Bender, Laura, Henry Bender; Nathan Kamula, Ellisha Blackwood (Graham), Malcolm and Lucy; Jessica Kamell and Onyx.

Leaves her grateful son Kenton, son James and son in law Brian Blood, daughter Carolyn (Dryburgh) Knight; grandchildren Anna Shalal and kids Kai, Lally; Willow and kids Grayson, Adison; Robyn (Julia Mitchell) and kids Kahlio and Ilah; Colm Knight, Aidan, Julia and Arthur Knight.

Verna’s career in the Federal Government department of Old Age Security provided a good life. She gave back by volunteering in several organizations such as the NEED Crisis Line, Status of Women Action Committee and SOCC, Save Our City Coalition. A lifelong learner, her curiosity led her to study and take part in research projects particularly through the Centre on Aging at UVIC.

Her family meant the world to her, and dear friends carried special significance over her lifetime, some since her childhood. Pat Giles and many at St John the Divine Church will attest to her keen mind, heart for the little birds, and a sharp wit. One of her favourite sayings about saving the world was, “you in your small corner and I in mine”.

She was proud of her children, loved cooking and gathering us in her home to eat together. A keen reader, she imparted love of reading early to all her children and grandchildren. Her discerning mind guided us, her friends too who sought her wisdom, and “her people” from all walks of life. Verna mentored young women to a life in Federal government service instilling her belief that womens’ rights began with a paycheck, and home ownership equaled security. She achieved these goals herself, one of the first women in Canada to secure a mortgage without a cosigner.

Pragmatic, loyal, devoted, Verna left reluctantly. She will be remembered for her elegance, intelligence, dignity, and compassion. She was proud of her family and we will miss her eternally.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Lamire of VGH 6th floor for her humanness, GP Dr. Behroozi for his compassionate care, and nurses Lyndsay and Julie for their kind care of Mum.

In lieu of flowers, go be good in the community, give where you can, as Mum did.

Thank you to Earth’s Option for beautiful human to human care of our Mum and of us too.

Service of memorial Saturday July 19th, 2:00PM, at St. John the Divine Church, 1611 Quadra Street.