Obituary of Veronica Lidster

Veronica passed away peacefully in her sleep after a few hours at Agape Hospice on Thursday, July 6, 2006 at the age of 55 years, after a two-year battle with cancer. Veronica was born on March 23, 1951 in Cupid’s Crossing, Conception Bay, NF. She received her B.A. and B.Ed. from Memorial University in Newfoundland in May of 1978 and continued studies at Boston College, Mass. Veronica received a Masters degree in curriculum development from the University of Portland, OR on August 4, 1995. Veronica taught in many schools in Newfoundland before moving to Calgary in 1983. Here she taught briefly with the Calgary Catholic School Board before joining the Bow Valley College teaching staff as an English as a Second Language teacher in 1986. Veronica was a kind, compassionate and extremely skilled teacher – loved by both staff and students alike. While she was a patient at the Foothills Medical Centre, one of her ex-students was her nursing assistant and spoke lovingly of her as a “fantastic teacher.” Veronica was actively involved in Holy Spirit Catholic Church as a choir leader since she moved to Calgary. She had a passion for Liturgical Music and had the voice of an angel. Veronica spent many hours of preparing appropriate music for the liturgies, making sure it suited the theme of the celebration. She enjoyed singing other music as well and used her wonderful gift of song to bring joy to others. She was the joy of any gathering and had a tremendous sense of humour. Veronica is survived by her loving parents Frank and Madeline Lidster; her sisters, Carol Ann (Mike) Sampson and Denise (Ross) Butler; her brothers, Kevin (Susan) and Gerard (Jean). She also leaves to mourn her nephews, Nicholas Lidster, Jesse Lidster, twins Carol and Zachary Harvey, Michael Sampson, and Andrew Butler. Veronica also leaves to mourn her “second family” in Calgary, Juanita Broderick, Gerry, Louise and Peter MacIntyre who loved her dearly. She also had a very close circle of friends – too numerous to mention. They knew of her love for them and she knew of their love for her. Veronica was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Nicholas and Norah Connolly; her paternal grandparents John and Josephine Lidster; her two brothers, Gary and Terry; and her brother-in-law Carl Harvey. Veronica’s remains will be sent to Newfoundland, but a Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (to be announced later). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Humane Society (S.P.C.A.), 4455 – 110 Avenue S.E. Calgary, AB T2C 2T7 Telephone: (403) 250-7722 in recognition of Veronica’s special love of animals and especially of her special friend, Shaboo, her Black Lab who died in June 2005. In living memory of Veronica Lidster, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.