Verna Ethel (Stenabaugh) Black

Verna Black of Dauphin, Manitoba passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at the age of 93 years.

Verna was born on July 15, 1926 to her parents George and Lydia Stenabaugh (Neiman) at Muenster, SK the fourth of eight children. The family moved to Ste. Rose, MB when Verna was six years old and they moved again in the early 1930’s to Roblin, MB where her Dad ran a butcher shop for two years and then to Ste. Amelie where Mom resided until moving to Dauphin,MB.
Verna is survived by her children Judy (Dennis) Penarsky, Brenda Pockett, Arla (Obert) Erickson, Heather Truman, Lila (Dennis) Forbes, Lorne (Bernice) Black and Joanne (Ken) Benson, 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, sisters Lorna Larsen, Mabel Kinsley and brother Don Stenabaugh.
She was predeceased by her husband Ernie; parents George and Lydia; in-laws Percy and Mary Black; her sisters Fern and Myrtle, brothers Lorne and Ronnie; grandsons Dwayne Black and Darren Benson; as well as numerous sister and brothers-in-law.
In 1942 Verna moved to Dauphin, MB working as a tailor/seamstress at Soloman’s Taylor Shop and Gardner’s Menswear. She sewed hundreds of wings, stripes and insignia on the uniforms of the airmen that were stationed at the Dauphin Airport. It was in Dauphin at her sister Fern’s wedding that she met her future husband, Ernie Black. They were married on October 22, 1947 in Dauphin. Together Verna and Ernie built the business Black’s Cycle and Sporting Goods Ltd. as well as raising a family of seven children.
Verna was a very talented seamstress sewing beautiful dresses, coats and skating dresses for her family. There wasn’t anything that Mom couldn’t sew on that Singer machine of hers! If she didn’t have a pattern for something she would make one. She was an amazing cook, second to none. Her pies, cookies, cakes and canning were the best! It was nothing for her to bake twenty apple pies in one day in the fall from apples they had grown in their orchard. Her Christmas baking was so delicious that she had to lock the freezer so that we didn’t eat it all before Christmas! Mom loved her flower garden, spending many hours making it beautiful. There wasn’t a flower she didn’t like. 
Verna and Ernie were avid square dancers for many years, of course Mom sewed them beautiful matching outfits. Mom was also a member of the Alexandria Rebekah Lodge #13 up until the time of her passing. She was very active in the lodge and held many positions over the years. She forged many friendships with her “Sisters” of the lodge that lasted her lifetime.
When Ernie retired they went on several trips including Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand as well as on an Alaskan Cruise. They spent a few winters at Qualicum Beach, BC which led them to buy a place in Weslaco, TX where they spent several winters. Mom missed being home with her grandchildren so they decided to sell the property and spend their winters at home.
In 2005 they sold their house and became some of the very first tenants in Lorray Manor. It was then that Mom finally got to retire! In August of 2012 Mom suffered a debilitating stroke and moved into St. Paul’s Home where she resided until her passing.
Rest in Peace Mom. We are happy that you and Dad are together once again.

As per Verna wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service took place on Saturday, July 11th, 2020 at Sneath Strilchuk Family Care Centre.

Interment in the Riverside Cemetery.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Verna may be made to Dauphin & District Community Foundation .

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