Katherine Verna Holland  Former PBC Member 

Verna passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Empress Gardens at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Robert James Holland. Loving mother of Robert (Wendy), Carol (Paul), John (Marg) and Brian (Kathryn). Proud Nana of Tim (Kristi), Katie (Kenneth), Kelsey (Kyle), Karen, Steven, Becky (Cory), Michael (Sherry), Kelly (Dan), Meghan (Eli), Heather (Andre), and Matthew. Cherished "Big V" to her great-grandchildren Isabella, Brock, Clark, Charlotte, Jordan, Lakelynn, Kevin, Liam, Brett, and Casper. Predeceased by her siblings Hazel, Margaret, and Steve. Lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

Verna started life in Coventry England but during the Second World War was sent to live with relatives in Scotland. Living with her three aunts in Peebles, she came to love the rolling hills surrounding the quaint village. On her return, and after the war, she met Bob, and they were soon married. Together they had an adventurous spirit and in the early days of their marriage, they left their home for a two-year stint in Canada where Bob had secured a position in helping to design and build the famed Avro Arrow. There in Toronto, they started to build a family and made many lifelong friends among their neighbours at their first home on Nipigon Avenue. Over time, many of the neighbours moved on but they stayed in touch with their much-loved annual get-togethers at Grand Bend on the sandy shores of Lake Huron. Finally settling in Peterborough, where Bob worked for General Electric and Verna worked for Ruddy Electric as General Manager. 

Like many Canadians, they soon discovered the great outdoors and spent many weekends and holidays camping. In time, they decided to bid on a raw piece of land on Big Cedar and build their own cottage. In the early days, it was quite rustic with no electricity or road access. Together, Bob and Verna built the cottage into a family compound where the next generations would come to love life by the lake. There, Verna and family played many card games, Rummikub, Scrabble, cryptic crosswords, and other diversions such as relaxing on the dock with a glass of Pinot Grigio and sharing stories over a campfire. 

Verna had a great passion for duplicate bridge. Along with long-long friends, Betty Turner, Phyllis Geddes, and many others, they were competitive and earned the Life Master designations that recognized their skills. With a wide group of friends, they competed in several National Championships and countless other tournaments. 

Verna's family are deeply grateful to the nurses, PSWs and staff of Empress Gardens and previously at the Royal Gardens Retirement Residence for their kindness and care. A special thank you to Dr. Wester and Dr. Kathiravelu for their compassion along with their unwavering dedication to Verna's care. 

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at St. Anne's Church, 859 Barnardo Ave at 11:00 a.m. In honour of Verna, donations to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre would be appreciated by her family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.comstockkaye.com

Published online June 29, 2024 in the Peterborough Examiner

Visit Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre to see the obituary, events and guestbook.

Funeral Arrangements by

Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre

Peterborough Bridge Club Classes with Dwight

New - Thursday Morning Lessons, April 15th, 9:30 - 11:30 am

We strive to have a "Play Nice" atmosphere at our bridge club. Players are encouraged to respect their partners and opponents at all times. Comments on bidding or play of the hand can wait until after the game. If you feel that any player is not acting according to the policy, call the director.

New Directors needed at PBC

Contact Anne Martens if you are interested in becoming a director.

amartens311@gmail.com

For information about becoming a director,

Click Director Resources in the blue side menu. 

• Duplicate Decisions
• Bridge Director's Handbook
• Laws of Duplicate Bridge

Please note the change of email address for:

Anne Heffernan 

705-748-5619 

aheff@sympatico.ca