July 14, 2024
It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Min Vennard announce her passing on July 14, 2024, four days after her 100th birthday.
She leaves behind so many to grieve her loss, especially her children Judy McMillan, Ted (Beth) Vennard and Kim Callander, her four grandchildren Elissa (Cory) Zeitner, Dustin (Sara) Vennard, Sarah (Sean Mercier) Callander and Shane Callander, and her two great grandsons Braxton Zeitner and Mackenzie Mercier. Not to mention the nieces and nephews who adored her. Mom was predeceased by her husband George (2021) and son Robin (2022).
Mom lived most of her life in BC, but"home"was still Saskatchewan where she grew up during the Depression. Although times were tough, Mom spoke very fondly of those years in her Finn community going to dances, church picnics, ball games, ice skating, and get-togethers with family and friends.
During World War 2 Mom and her sister left the farm to work in airplane and small-arms factories in Malton, Ontario. We heard many stories of their adventures during those years.
Mom went home to Saskatchewan after the War and became engaged. Dad moved to BC in 1947 for work as an automotive mechanic, and Mom followed by train a year later. They married in 1948, starting their life together in Langley and relocating to Abbotsford.
Mom looked after the home and raised four children, while also working in catering at the Rancho for many years. She excelled in 5 pin bowling and enjoyed sharing this with Dad. She also coached the Abbotsford Legion Girls softball team with him.
Mom had a great sense of humour and loved to laugh. She was compassionate and kind, and would check on a stranger if they looked like they needed help. Mom had a strong faith, was an active member of Trinity Memorial United Church, and a long time member of the UCW. She volunteered many hours at church - it was her second home and she loved her church family and the time spent there.
Mom loved to walk and could out-walk the rest of us. She walked 5 km/day before her health deteriorated. Walking was Mom's meditation.
As a family we would like to thank Bevan Village for the kindness and love you gave to Mom during her stay there, helping us to ensure her general well being. So many of you will never be forgotten. We would also like to thank the residents of Ancora Housing Society for always keeping an eye out for Mom and Dad before they moved to Bevan.
Mom, thank you for all you have taught us. Your sense of humour, your beautiful smile, your compassion, strength, faith, dedication, and your love will be cherished forever by those of us you left behind.
Love you to the moon and back. Say hi to Dad and Rob for us.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday August 23, 2024 at 11:00 at Trinity Memorial United Church, 33737 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Mom's name to the Alzheimer's Society of BC or a charity of your choice.
Service Details
11:00 AM