Vera Loraine McFadyen

Vera Loraine McFadyen

1934 - 2025

  Vera Loraine McFadyen (Moore).  It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vera Loraine McFadyen, age 90, of Birch River, MB.  Vera will be mourned and sorely missed by her two children; Wanda McFadyen (Paul Moorby), Hugh McFadyen (Gisele Johnston), two grandchildren; Shane McFadyen (Karrlyn Marchuk) and great granddaughter Maelynn McFadyen, Danielle McFadyen (Ryan Blazenko) and great grandchildren, Chase and Neveah McFadyen along with extended family, friends and neighbours. Vera was predeceased by the love of her life – her husband Mervin, as well as all of her siblings and several sister & brother in-laws.

  Vera was born on the family farm in Project District near Birch River, MB on April 7, 1934. She was the fourth daughter in a family of eight. It was here that Vera completed her education and spent her childhood full of adventure, fun and shenanigans with her siblings and friends. She worked briefly in Flin Flon at the Phantom Lake restaurant.  She also was a part of the Cliff Claggett Wild West Show which saw her travel across Canada as part of the rodeo family that entertained all those that attended the shows.  She spoke fondly of this time in her life and the friendships and fun that was had.

  On April 20, 1957, she married Mervin McFadyen and they began their life together.  They lived on the Moore family farm for a brief time before Mervin joined the United Grain Growers in 1960.  They first settled in Grandview, MB for a short time and then moved to Novra. In the fall of 1966, Mervin and Vera along with their children moved to the McFadyen family farm where she lived until entering care at the Swan Valley Personal Care Home in the spring of 2022.

  Vera was a member of the Birch River Golden Acres Seed Club as well as a longtime and proud member of the Birch River Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a founding member of the Birch River Riding Club in the 1970’s where she rode in their musical ride and helped with the Birch River Fair/Rodeo. Vera was an avid curler and member of the Birch River Curling Club.  She loved a good bonspiel and all the fun they entailed with her girlfriends. She was a loyal friend and was always there to support family and friends the best she could. 

  Vera was an animal lover and there was always a dog and a horse in her life.  Upon retirement she and Mervin could be found giving sleigh rides to all those that gathered at the farm on a Sunday afternoon in the winter.  These events often included a wiener roast, hot chocolate, bonfire, lots of laughter and memory building. She also was a lover of her flowers and wildlife and took great pleasure in watching the deer frolic in the yard in winter months along with the birds and squirrels that came to the many feeders.

  Vera was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s achievements, careers and the families they created. As a family, we will forever hold onto the fond memories and the life lessons you taught us.  You are our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother forever. 

  As a family we invite you to join us at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 16 at the Birch River Legion Hall to celebrate Mom’s life. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to the Birch River Legion Box 216 Birch River, MB R0L 0E0.