Vera Edna Thom

Vera Edna Thom was born to Esther & Edwin Wright in Mayronne, Saskatchewan on August 1, 1929, and passed peacefully in Calgary, Alberta on September 12, 2024. Everyone who met Vera, knew her to be a vivacious, beautiful, loving and warm-hearted lady. Her laughter, smile and always happy spirit filled any place she graced.

Vera was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan during the Depression with her two sisters and a brother. As a child, Vera loved sports and was a good student. She was accepted to the Regina General Hospital Nursing Program graduating second in her class, one of her most proud achievements. Her career as a Registered Nurse took her to Edmonton, Alberta, where she met the love of her life, Howard Nelson Thom.

Vera and Howard married in 1951, and they began their lives in Edmonton. Howie established Exchanger Sales and Service Company and moved the family to Calgary to grow the business. Vera and Howie had three children, Jeffrey, Cheryl, and James. Vera was the family bedrock that bridged the gulf of raising three children while also helping support the growth of Exchanger Sales and Service.

Howie passed away unexpectedly in 1978. Although the family was devastated at the loss of Howie, Vera ensured that Jeff and Cheri completed their university degrees in law and medicine, respectively, and guided young Jim through high school and onto university.

In 1986, Vera met and married Gerry Ross (ironically, a fraternity brother of Howie). For the next decade, Vera and Gerry traveled and created wonderful memories together until his passing.

Vera continued to share her kind and generous nature, passion for life, and beautiful inner spirit with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her smile and great sense of humour will live on with everyone she touched. Vera took every opportunity to socialize, especially with her family, and often said with a laugh that she “wouldn’t miss a dog fight”.

Vera is survived by brother Glen Wright of Saskatchewan, son Jeffrey of California (Cynthia Martens), daughter Cheryl of Calgary (Brent Perry), and son Jim of Houston (Kimberly Thom). Vera leaves seven grandchildren, Michael Thom, Christopher Perry, Kathleen Fernandes, Erin Perry, Tom Perry, Howie Thom, and Bowen Thom, and seven great-grandchildren, William & Benjamin Thom, William Perry, Isla & Violet Fernandes and Callum & Blair Heywood.

The family will have a private interment on Saturday, September 28, 2024, followed by a Celebration of Life at 19 Bel-Aire Pl SW commencing at 3:00 p.m., to which friends & family who wish to attend are welcome.

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