VERA BELL OSTER

It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Vera Bell Oster announce her sudden passing on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Vera was born Oct. 1, 1928 to the late Kate and George Tatreault in Rainy River, Ont. She grew up in North Branch, Ont., and started working at a very young age.
Vera met the love of her life, Francis Oster, at a baseball game in Stratton, Ont. She caught his eye (and his fly ball), and was united in marriage shortly after on Oct. 18, 1945.
They began their married life in Dance Township, Ont. before moving to Burriss, Ont. and then to Devlin, Ont. with their nine children.
Vera had spent the last two years of her life at Rose Manner in Fort Frances before moving to Rainycrest in January of 2010.
Vera had a passion for cooking and feeding people. When it came to recipes, it was all in her head—she knew exactly what ingredients to use to make food taste great.
Her house always smelled good, and was full of baked and canned goods. She baked cakes for all occasions (even getting out of jail cakes).
Vera also was famous for her homemade soups, cookies, and pies. The grandkids especially loved her cinnamon buns, and would call Grandma to place orders for them.
Vera loved seeing people enjoy her food.
Vera’s other passion was humour. She was always quick on the draw with a witty remark; she didn’t waste time with words, always getting straight to the point.
Vera was the family rock; very warm-hearted. She put everyone’s needs before herself. She never let anyone know when she was sick or in pain, she was always was in a joking mood.
Vera always will be remembered for her sayings, her favourite being “If you don’t have family, you have nothing.”
Vera cared about all her family, even her extended grandchildren (her neighbours in Devlin).
Vera worked hard her whole life. She ruled the roost at the Husky House, and also worked at the White Pine Inn and various tourist camps. Vera also helped her husband, Frank, on their farm, and in the bush hauling wood.
Vera loved to babysit her grandkids, no matter how tired she was even after she had put in a long day of work. She also loved getting her hair done, and often fell asleep under the dryer.
Vera loved watching old western movies, and talking with friends and family on the phone (except for when her soaps were on).
Vera has left to meet again her husband, Francis; sons, Keith and Terry; and daughter, Carol (Ron Irvine).
Those left behind to cherish her humour and immense spirit are her children, Dale, Larry (Sandy), Kenny (Elaine), Cheryl (Victor Hughes), Colleen (Daniel DeBenetti), and Bradley (Cathy); and grandchildren, Brian (Angela) Oster, Evelyn Irvine, Charlie Oster, Kevin Oster, Cathy (Phillip) Katzenberger, Jason Oster, Jamie Oster, Nicole Hughes (Jeff Wall), Wyatt Hughes (Brandelle Oar), Ryan DeBenetti, Sonia DeBenetti, Michael (Shelley) Oster, Jeremy (Lindsey) Oster, and Brittni (Andrew) Trudgen.
She also will be cherished by her many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and friends.
Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 31, 2010 from 7-9 p.m. at Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont., where funeral srvices will be held Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 1 p.m.
In memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com