Vera Mary “Budd” Perkins, 85 years young, slipped away quietly and peacefully Sunday, October 21, 2001, to be with her special angels, Milt and Bonnie. Mother was surrounded by her family and much love. She is now finally “bright eyed and bushy tailed” once again and on her way home.
Vera is survived by her daughter Janis (Ray), Raelle (Arran), Blaine (Erin) and Devon; her son, Terry; son-in- law Garry (Susan), Karen, Krissy, David (Stacy), Dyllon and Baby Wilde; and by her twin sister, Vida Boettger and her daughter, Dianne and children, Sarah, Kelsey and Deni.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Milt, in 1980, daughter Bonnie in 1996 and her brother Johnnie in 1952, as well as her parents, John and Ada McArthur.
Vera attended school in Markdale, Ontario and then received her RN diploma at Toronto General Hospital in 1939. She married her childhood sweetheart in 1940, and then moved to Geraldton and from there to Fort Frances in the early 50’s.
Budd was an outgoing loving person who enjoyed life to its fullest. She loved to camp in the old Model T campcar her father built and later played hockey in a women’s league in Markdale (Milt was refereeing and was accused of favoritism). In Geraldton, she enjoyed golf and curling and
continued in Fort Frances, where she became a lifetime member of the Fort Frances Curling Club.
She was usually surrounded by many friends and her children’s friends, who always felt welcome in her home. She had a special distinct whistle to call her children home, and all the neighbourhood kids knew her call. She especially loved her grandchildren and spent many hours entertaining them and spending quality time with them. Family was Mom’s top priority and she always made sure we were surrounded by love, fun and making happy memories.
Her warm, cheerful personality endeared Vera to so many friends and acquaintances in the community that she became affectionately known as “Grama Perkins” whenever folks greeted her.
Funeral services will be at Knox United Church on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001, at 2 p.m. with Reverend Marietta Marshall officiating. Visitation will be held at the church, on Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m.
Pallbearers are Terry Perkins, Ray Abbott, Raelle Abbott, Blaine Abbott,
Garry Wilde and David Wilde. Honourary pallbearers will be all who loved her.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
If you are walking where once you walked with her
and feel sorrow start to steal upon you
Be still . . . Close your eyes . . . Breathe
Listen for footsteps in your heart
She is not gone
but merely walks within you
