It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Verna Marie Petrie, at the age of 93. 

Born in Reserve Mines on June 17, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Allan and Remigus McMullin. 

Mom was gifted in both heart and mind. She had an immense love for her family, which included her siblings, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, who are all grateful recipients of her kindness, sensitivity, and generosity. She celebrated the milestones of those she loved with the enthusiasm and warmth that was her special gift. 

Possessing an uncanny talent for mathematics, she pursued her dream of becoming an educator at St. Francis Xavier University, where she obtained her B.A., B.Ed. and M.Ed., and received notoriety for writing exams without the aid of a calculator. 

As a teacher, Mom discovered the talents of each of her students, and believed strongly that every person could bring their value to bear upon the world. She taught at New Victoria School and later became a principal; a position she held until retirement. She spoke with great admiration about her colleagues, who were like family, and was exceedingly proud of the community of students she taught. 

Her call to educate also led her to take leadership roles with the United Ostomy Association, where she shared her knowledge and empathy with fellow ostomates and their families. As a volunteer, she formed lifelong friendships, and worked tirelessly to remove stigma and support awareness. In 2004, she was the recipient of the Maple Leaf Award, the most prestigious award presented by the Ostomy Canada Society. 

Beloved as she was in the classroom and the boardroom, she was feared at the card table. To describe her as a competitive spirit is an understatement. Despite this, she secured still more friendships through the Bridge community, who saw her first-rate mind at work. 

Mom was a woman of strong faith and a life-long member of St. Leonard’s Parish, New Waterford, where her life will be honoured. 

She is survived by her daughter, Lynn (Noel) Vaninetti; grandchildren, Tyler, New Waterford, and Kara, Saskatoon; great-granddaughter, Jayce; very special niece, whom she considered a daughter, Wendy (Brian) Cormier, Halifax, and her children, Gillian (Sean) Street, Andrew (Chantal) Cormier, Toronto, and grandson, Isaac Street; sisters, Pauline Tighe and Colleen Billard; in-laws, Aggie MacMullin, Patsy (Jim) Clancy, Halifax; and Olive MacDonald, Dartmouth. 

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Stephen MacNeil Petrie (Mac); siblings, Allene, Audrey, Velma, Janis, Sonny, Billy, and triplets, Leone, Lila, and Lorraine; special family member, Peggy Currie; in-laws, Patrick and Irene Petrie; and special niece, Judith Ann Tighe, who reluctantly shared a birthday with Verna.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 6-8 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place Thursday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard with Father Godwin Obike officiating and Deacon Lorne MacNeil concelebrating. Burial will be held in Mount Carmel Cemetery with a reception to follow in the funeral home. Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.