Passed away peacefully at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the age of 79.
Beloved wife of the late Walter McCarthy (2021) for over 20 years. Cherished mother of Jasen (Katrina) Peterson of Dryden. Step-mother of Shawn (Holly), Chad (Heather), Jason (Leona), Deirdre, Josh (Kathy), Gabrielle (Brad), Jasmine (Jon), Isaiah (Karen), Evangelene (Mike), Angelica (Martin), Harmony (Jordan), Charity (Dylan), Ezekiel (Abbey) and Ezra (Nalesia). Forever loved by her two grandchildren, Michael (Megan) and Kayleen, as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Sister of Dale (Len) Nolan of Thunder Bay and Lyonne (Sara) Boss of Dryden. Sister-in-law of Alice (Vic), Calvin (Margaret), and Harold (Barbara). Predeceased by her husband Walter McCarthy, mother Esther (Schubert) Dignan, father Arthur Boss, and step-father William Dignan.
LaVerne’s greatest love was for the Lord. The Lord blessed her greatly with her loving family, including her Church family and a great number of friends. The Lord brought Walter and LaVerne together just over twenty years ago and they built a beautiful life together in Hensall. LaVerne continued with the legacy she and Walter created in the small farm of animals they enjoyed for so many years. The animals were a blessing and she certainly had many. LaVerne had a great love for horses and just a few months ago, she lost her most prized horse, Wassau. She and Walter began Son Shine Kennels many years ago and bred beautiful champion Pomeranians. They also raised birds and LaVerne leaves behind two old friends: parrots Yada and Caras. LaVerne also enjoyed the company of several guard dogs over the years, more recently German Shepherds; Daco and Roxy. She also had a soft spot in her heart for Rottweilers and recently lost her beloved Herc.
LaVerne would often talk about the dog shows she and Walter attended each year. They would travel as much as they could with the camper in tow. They made many friends along the way, two of whom she dearly loved, Sandra and Ross. They often brought home champion dogs and there was always some friendly competition between her and Walter.
Just a few years ago, LaVerne and Walter found their permanent Church family at Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle where they flourished in their Christian faith and in making lasting friendships. Some of those friends got to enjoy Monday game nights, often held at the McCarthy house. Al and Ruth could tell some tall tales about who won the most Mexican Train games.
LaVerne also leaves behind to mourn her loss, good friends Louise and Eric. She was grateful for their friendships and help during her more challenging times.
If you know LaVerne well, you would know she had a ‘habit’ that involved Coca Cola and salt and vinegar chips. She always said Coca Cola is what kept her going but she gave the Lord all the praise and glory for the blessed life that she was given. Her words for everyone reading this would be to look to the Lord, accept Jesus into your heart, believe that you are loved and accepted by God, admit your sins and ask for forgiveness, seek repentance and commit your life to Christ. Praise Him in the good times and the bad, in the valleys and on the mountain tops as she did in her final days. She has run the course and has received her reward. Praise be to Jesus!
Visitation will be held at Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, 70670 London Road, EXETER on Friday, March 17th from 12:30 – 1:30 PM, where the funeral service will be held at 2 PM with Pastor Bob Loohuizen officiating. For those unable to attend, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@exeterpentecostaltabernacl2137/featured. Spring interment Hensall Union Cemetery.
Donations to the Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
myra brachfeld
heard that walter and laverne had died so sorry to hear this. i met them at a dog show a while back and remember their love for poms. i just found out today as i dont go on facebook much. i am sending my condolences myra brachfeld
Nina
My Pomeranian is my life — Walter and LaVerne gave me her. I am so saddened to hear about both of their passing. Thank you for what you have given me. May you both rest in peace. My most sincere condolences to your families.
shakti
laverne was a pure soul. i was just calling her today and her phone was disconnected. i cannot belie-be she passed , i got my parrot snoopy from her. she treated me with such love. i will always miss her
Susan & Fred Elder
Sending kindest condolences to LaVerne’s family, Dale & Len, and Lyonne and Sara.
Doreen
We send our sympathies to all LaVerne’s family. With love and prayers.
Aunt Doreen and Aunt Sarah
Marcel Penner
Sending our heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Dryden Garage Church family.
Harmony (McCarthy) Cary
We had planned to come to Ontario this summer to see the family, sit at dads kitchen table and drink tea with LaVerne, and talk about dad, and dogs, and life. LaVerne was the last person my dad loved and I so wanted to hear more. LaVerne, you were always kind to us kids. That’s not an easy task to take on 14 extras.
Enjoy heaven with dad. You get to be together again and that is a beautiful thing.
Don and Sheryn (nee Boss) Gummer.
We wish to offer our sincere sympathies to LaVerne’s family. Our daughter and LaVerne shared the same birthday date so she will always be remembered. And this year she will celebrate in Heaven.
Aunt Sheryn and Uncle Don
MARY MCTAVISH
To all of Laverne’s family: Our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your mother and grandmother Laverne! As another Pomeranian breeder, we had opportunities to talk and share some stories about the dogs! Her absence will leave an impact on the community of breeders!
Mary McTavish
McTavish Kennels
Don and Brenda Triebner
To LaVerne’s family and friends, we are so sorry to hear of her passing. Deepest sympathies to you all.
Brian Sandra ,Rachel Dignan
We will sure miss our family (friend) Laverne. So happy for her to be over her pain and enjoying her heavenly home. We are praying for the rest of the family. Brain, Sandra,Rachel. Caleb, Chrissy and Hannah Dignan
NormaLee Nelson (nee Boss)
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time. I was touched as I read all about my cousin, Laverne’s life. She truly lived a well-rounded, fulfilled life and has now gone on to her reward.
John Baker
Rest well dear friend. Our condolences to family and friends. We now pause to anticipate a heavenly reunion with our dear friends Walter and Laverne.
John and Sharon
Judy Maltby
It’s never easy to say good bye to a special friend as I had in Laverne. We met years ago at of course at a dog show, as I too had the love for Poms.
I became immediate friends with Laverne an Walter, they were always there for me. They gave me a wonderful gift “Chimo” who became my special little buddy for all these years.
Words cannot express how much I will miss our talks and laughs and our precious visits.
Laverne , I will look after your precious little Squirt and Pixie with all my heart.
Rest in peace my friend, always in my heart,
Judy
Dave & Phyllis Fidler
I am so sad to hear of Laverne’s passing. She was a good person and will be missed. We shared our love of animals and horses in particular. She was a good neighbour.
Jacob and Marie Visscher
To all of Laverne’s family our sincere condolences.
Harold & Barbara McCarthy
We are thankful Walter and Laverne came to BC for Alice and Vic’s 50th anniversary. Laverne got to meet part of the BC contingent, and view the ‘home place ‘. We are never sure when the ‘some day’ will turn into the final day.
Full condolences Jasen, Katrina, and all loved ones.
Sandra Beisel
We never have enough time with those we love and enjoy to be with.Walter and Laverne shared so many unforgettable great times with us be it at dog shows or each other’s homes. We are so grateful for all our memories. Our Deepest Symphony to the family and many others that are missing her. Always in our heart Laverne. Ross and Sandra
Brad & Anne Mousseau
To all Laverne’s family & friends, our sincere condolences in her passing.