Obituary of Verna Mae POLLACK (nee Van Iderstine)

January 25, 1935 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
August 17, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Verna Mae Pollack (Van Iderstine /Cardno) of Calgary, AB, on Monday, August 17, 2020 at the Dulcina Hospice at the age of 85 years.

She was born in Winnipeg, MB, to Alma May (Cardno) and William Vernon Van Iderstein.

She is preceded by her sister Bernice (Norris).

Verna was an incredibly strong woman who fought against the odds to provide for her children and herself.

She was an artist, a writer, a poet, a storyteller, a musician and accomplished harpist, a social activist and a community builder.

She traveled to her most beloved parts of the world, Scotland, Ireland, Greece and the Netherlands; and made life-long friends throughout. She was originally from Winnipeg and after several stops across the US and Canada, she was able to happily and proudly call Calgary her home. Always loved “Cowtown”!

Verna was deeply involved with the Sacred Web Singers as well as the Unitarians and their fellowship for many years.

Sharing and exploring ideals, philosophy, theology, music and friendship, her family grew even more. Whether it be camping out next to the horses at Randy’s farm, sipping tea with Rob at Lake Louise, or closing down the nightclub with Rich’s band, Verna was always right at home wherever she was.

She is missed. But she leaves us with a greater legacy of rich stories, lessons and hopefulness to aspire to and honor throughout our lives.

“We rise to morning
as living flames
against the sky
Witness our passing
in the blue beyond your reach
and remember us “
(VMP Naramata 2013)

She is survived by her three children, grandmother to eight, great-grandmother to more, Auntie to many and “The other Mum” to countless others. She will be missed dearly. She was predeceased by her sister Bernice (Norris).

We would like to extend a thank you to the wonderful staff at the Dulcina Hospice for their kind and gentle care in seeing Verna through to the next journey.

Thank you to all of you at Alberta Health Services and Homecare for your dedicated and thoughtful service.

We also wish to thank all the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Center. Finally, a special thank you to Dr. Alexander Paterson and Dr. Nancy Nixon and their teams. You were part of a greater gift. We will be forever grateful!

You are all wonderful at what you do.

A celebration of Verna’s life (or as she called it- her after party!) will happen at a later date and will be announced in the future.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Verna’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Verna Pollack, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.