Verna was born on December 22, 1961 and was the youngest of three children to Mike and Olga Switenky. She grew up in the MacDowall area, excelling in sports and academics. She married the love of her life in 1979. They settled on Don’s family farm, operating a dairy and grain operation with Leonard and Linda Blocka. Verna was a devoted mother to her four children, and treated her animals like family.

Verna was proud of her children. She enjoyed watching them excel in sports, Ukrainian dance, and 4H in their early years. She was known to state her greatest achievement was seeing her children reach their personal goals and ambitions. While she loved her children, in later years she lived for her grandchildren. She always looked forward to seeing “Baba’s Girls” and “Baba’s Boy”, and they cherished their time with her just as much.

After retiring the dairy in 2007, Verna was able to dedicate more time to her passions. She loved her flowers, travelling with Don, and of course the Riders. While the Riders have always had a special place in her heart, a genuine love and appreciation for the organization blossomed when she was a Touchdown for Dreams recipient in 2018. Verna’s experience as a dream recipient was truly a highlight of her life.

Verna’s struggle with cancer began in 2015. She fought every step of the way. Despite her circumstances, Verna remained humble and eternally grateful for simple pleasures, acts of kindness, and the love of family and friends. While she had her ups and downs, the final down proved to be too much for her. She passed in the early hours of August 20, 2020, surrounded by the love of family, both near and far.

Verna is survived by her husband of 40 years, Don; sons Christopher (Jennifer) and Gregory (Marie); daughters Miranda (Christian) and Rochelle (Matthew); grandchildren Sophie, Cadence, Korban, Claire, Everly, Elizabeth, Brianna, and Nicholas; mother Olga Switenky; her brother Terry Switenky; and her large extended family.

Verna is predeceased by her father Michael Switenky; father-in-law Michael Blocka; mother-in-law Annie Blocka; brother Earl Switenky; brother-in-law Dwight Myers; sisters-in-law Shelley Blocka, Linda Blocka, and Dawne Switenky; nephew Kenneth Myers; and grandson Roman Klopick.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Touchdown for Dreams – Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan – #200-4545 Parliament Avenue, Regina, SK S4W 0G3,   https://cancerfoundationsask.ca/cameco-riders-touchdown-for-dreams-dp/

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held.  The service is now available for viewing using the link herein.  https://www.beaulacfuneralhome.com/obituary/Verna-Blocka   Public Visitation will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, 300B – 300 Marquis Road West, Prince Albert.  Graveside Service will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens, Hwy 2 South.  Confirmation of your attendance at either of these events must be made prior to the services by contacting Beau “Lac” Funeral Home at 306-763-3322.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

• Date : 2020-08-20
• Location : Prince Albert, SK