It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Verna Florence Elizabeth Rustan, who passed away at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, with family by her side.
Verna was born in Dryden on January 15, 1927 to Russell and Gladys Pollard. She was sister to Ronald Pollard (1923-1929). She grew up in Oxdrift on the family farm and attended school in Oxdrift until the age of 14, it was then that the family moved to Dryden.
In 1945 she met the love of her life, Len Rustan. The two were married on August 28th, 1947 and enjoyed 69 years of marriage together.
On April 1st, 1949, Len and Verna opened a small coffee shop in Dryden and called it the LenVer Inn. In 1954, they added a four-unit motel and extended the coffee shop into a full-service restaurant. As years progressed additional units were added. In 1984, they retired from the business.
After a few years of retirement, Verna started on as a Greeter at the Dryden Walmart. She loved this work which involved interacting with customers as they entered the store. She maintained this job for over 25 years and only retired recently due to pandemic restrictions.
Verna’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved her family as they loved her. She was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Many happy memories will be cherished of family gatherings, vacations and summers spent at the family camp on Blue Lake.
In the final year of her life, she moved to Patricia Gardens. It was there that she reconnected with old friends and made some new friends as well.
Verna is survived by her four children, Valorie (Wade) Garrow, Garry (Sandra) Rustan, Marilyn Rustan and David Rustan. She is affectionately known as “Nanni” to her 11 grandchildren: Stephen (Sarah) and Graham Garrow, Laura (Kevin) Margarit, and Lindsay (Alain) Garrow; Mark (Marcie) and Kevin Rustan; Jennifer (Travis) Randell and Michael (Stefauna) Coombes; Kyle (Jessica) Rustan, Brock (Chelsea) Rustan and Joel (Amanda) Rustan, as well as 16 great grandchildren: Grace; Caleb, Sarah, Bella; Alex, Kayden, Baylor, Iver; Nora, Leo; Ben, Olivia; Rio; Amelia; Dawson, Declan. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Verna was predeceased by her parents Russell and Gladys Pollard (Salton), husband Leonard Rustan, brother Ronald, and daughter-in-law Shirlee.
The family’s heart felt thanks goes out to the Dryden Hospital staff and nurses for the great care they gave mom and to Colleen Hill and the staff at Patricia Gardens for making mom feel welcome and comfortable in her new home.
After Glow
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an after-glow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing time and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave.
When my life is done.
Condolences(12)-
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Lisa austin says
August 16, 2024 at 6:50 pmVerna was a wonderful lady and she will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. Thinking of all you at this difficult and sending thoughts and prayers.
Sue Vaccher says
August 17, 2024 at 3:15 amMy most sincerest condolences on the immense loss of Verna. May she be at peace.
Donna Stevens says
August 18, 2024 at 4:54 amMy coldolences to Marilyn and the Rustan family. Your mom still had the smile in the picture you shared. Such a genuine lady. May she always be close to your heart❣️
Kathy Doherty says
August 18, 2024 at 11:15 amMy heart goes out to all the Rustan family. She was the kindest most gracious Lady I have ever known.
The Doherty family
Sheila Kosik says
August 19, 2024 at 11:04 pmThinking of everyone during this difficult time. Your mom was an amazing lady and I have many great memories! Sending my love and prayers ♥️♥️
Patricia Damphouse says
August 19, 2024 at 3:39 pmSending prayers and condolences to all the Rustan family and to the community on the loss of a wonderful kind family member and friend.
Barry Ankney says
August 19, 2024 at 5:40 pmMy heartfelt condolences to the Rustan Family . Times like these are never easy, and no words really help with the pain. Just know, people remember Verna fondly, and you are in our thoughts.
Barbara Adair says
August 19, 2024 at 7:36 pmIn these moments, when there are no words, know that the ones we love remain beside us, now and always.. It is so awesome the years she spent as a greeter at Walmart, i personally always looked
Forward to seeing her smiles when I entered the store.. Barb
Our sincerest condolences from Barb Adair and Jack Kondra
Bill Vincent says
August 20, 2024 at 3:15 amRustan Family
Our thoughts are with you on the loss of Verna. She was a fine lady.
Bill and Susan Vincent
Don Tremaine says
August 21, 2024 at 2:26 pmVerna and family always made a place at the table for a new face. Sandy and I have many fond memories of Verna because of the LenVer Inn and the Blue Lake cottage connection. May God give the needed comfort to all her surrounding families.
Gail Braun says
September 5, 2024 at 5:17 amTo the Rustan family: Your Mom was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have known. My memories go back to working in the restaurant as a teenager, and being welcomed into your home for photos on our wedding day. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathryn Humphrey says
September 10, 2024 at 1:45 amCondolences to the whole family. May memories of your parents always bring you smiles and warmth as they do for me now even after so many years away.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Church 23 Van Horne Ave. Dryden, ON P8N 2A6 or DRHC Equipment Fund, PO Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6.
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