Obituary of Verna Edith Agnew

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother and grandmother Verna Edith Agnew (nee Byman) who passed away on July 15th, 2023 at the age of 75. She fought a short courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Verna was born December 16th, 1947 in Kimberley Hospital, to Ingvar and Hilda Byman. Verna grew up in the Valley and later went on to graduate from LPN Program, Nelson Vocational School on April 24th, 1968. On August 24th, 1968 Verna married Barry Agnew, from Canal Flats, and settled in Windermere, BC where they had two children Ricky and Misty Agnew.

Verna is survived by her son Ricky Agnew (Melisa), daughter Misty Agnew (Todd), sisters Audrey Pepin, Doreen Beninger, Angela Byman, and brother Albert Byman, brother-in-law Earl Agnew (Deneen) and aunts Mary Goodwin and Shirley Mackey. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren Brooklynne and Braden Agnew, Enya, Ashton and Amelija Elliston and her dear friend Dieter Henzig.

Verna is predeceased by her father Ingvar Byman, mother Hilda Byman, husband Barry Agnew, sister Brenda Byman, brothers-in-law Tom Agnew and Roy Beninger, and sisters-in-law Bobbie Agnew, Charmaine Campbell and Mary-Anne Jordan, and great nephew Tre Micheal O'Connor.

Verna was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and dear friend to all who knew her, but her greatest loves were her family, her children and grandchildren meant everything to her. Verna loved being in the outdoors, working in her flower beds and she enjoyed fishing and camping at Whiteswan.

Verna loved to work, and she was well known for her strong work ethic. She was employed at Fairmont Mountainside Villas for 32 years. Verna was known as one of the hardest working women, and she worked up until she fell ill at the age of 75.

The family of Verna Agnew would like to thank Dr. Maslowska, Dr. Campling, oncologist, Invermere District Hospital nurses, as well as Dr. Page and Dr. Mannheimmer. A special thank you to the Windermere Fire Department, Dr. Brown, and Kaitlyn LeChance for your kindness and compassion.

A tea to celebrate Verna's Life will be Saturday July 22nd, 2023 at 1:00pm at The Wilmer Community Hall, Wilmer BC.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the EK Angel Flights.