Verna Hazel Chappell

With gratitude for a life fully lived, we share the news of Verna Chappell's passing on December 17th, 2025, at the age of 94.

Verna was born on June 13, 1931, in Lintlaw, Saskatchewan, to Catherine and William McGinnis. She spent her childhood with her beloved siblings, Carol and Cliff, whom she joins in her final rest.

Verna graduated from normal school in Saskatoon where she trained as a teacher. She began her teaching career near Delisle where she roomed with Dora Chappell. Through Dora, Verna met Wilfred Chappell, whom she married in 1954.

Verna and Wilfred made their home in Saskatoon, where they built a life rooted in friendship and community. Their son, Dean, was born in 1962, and motherhood became one of the great constants in her life.

Verna was deeply social. She enjoyed going to dances, hosting parties, playing cards, and spending time with friends, neighbours, and family, maintaining close friendships with her brothers-in-law and their wives. When her mother Catherine lived across the alley from Bruce and Ann, the Chappell cousins grew side by side, sharing in each other's lives.

Verna found a strong sense of purpose working at CIBC. Capable and dependable, she was a Jill of all trades, taking on training initiatives, supporting managers, navigating a robbery or seven. Her work mattered to her, and she made herself central through commitment and care.

Though she had retired, Verna returned to CIBC, where she continued working another decade after she found herself living independently. Later, she began working at the Al-Anon bookstore, a role that aligned with her values and allowed her to form lasting connections.

The birth of her granddaughters, Kaitlin and Kennedy, brought Verna immense joy and became the light of her life. She delighted in them, followed their lives closely, and carried her love proudly.

Verna officially retired from work late into her seventies and moved from her longtime home to Oliver Place where she embraced the next chapter of her life with characteristic openness and determination. She loved the music and dancing, spirit days, playing cards, her Thursday outings to get her hair done, and making sure she got her steps in.

Verna was, in every sense, a force; independent, capable, social, and deeply invested in the people around her. She lived a long life marked by work, connection, resilience, and care. She will be remembered for her strength, presence, and the roles she filled with heart.

Verna is survived by her son, Dean, his wife Meredith and her granddaughters Kaitlin and Kennedy Chappell. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 9, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at Saskatoon Funeral Home, 338 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon.