Obituary of Vlasta Verdzak

Vlasta Verdzak 1922 ~ 2016 Vlasta was born June 25, 1922, the second child of Annastasia (Kotrous) and Joseph Vopicka, in Pecice, Czechoslovakia. Her family lived on a small farm with her paternal grandparents until 1930 when they immigrated to Canada. Their first stop was Regina, Saskatchewan where they stayed for a year before settling on a homestead in the Farmington area. At the age of 14, Vlasta started her working career in the Dawson Creek hospital working as a kitchen helper. Later she moved on to the Pouce Coupe hospital eventually taking on the job of head cook at the age of 18. Next she moved on to work in a tailor shop for the Stredulinsky family in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Vlasta was a vivacious and active youngster taking part in community activities, dances and ball games. She met John Verdzak and they were married on August 17, 1945. The couple moved to homestead their own farm in the Bessborough area raising five children. Over the years Vlasta continued to be active in her community, joining the Women's Institute and participating in dances, card games and picnics in the Bessborough, Sunrise Valley and Farmington areas. Taking care of her children and their growing family kept her very busy and provided an abundance of love and satisfaction. The family farm was her full time concern. She loved the land, animals, cooking, gardening, canning and just being out in the fresh air. It is where she remained until two weeks before her death on January 11, 2016. Her love, kindness, keen mind and sense of humour will be forever missed. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Home and Community Care nurses of Northern Health and the staff of Rotary Manor for their great care and support at this difficult time. Service 3:00 pm Wednesday, January 20, 2016 Bessborough Community Hall 6888 243 Road Bessborough, British Columbia, Canada Interment Mountain View Cemetery Road 214 Sunrise Valley, British Columbia, Canada