Tribute

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Vera Mary Ryan (nee Clemens) on April 12, 2024 at age 83.

She is survived by Michael, her husband of 53 years; daughter, Kathleen, son, Marc (Emily), grandchildren, Lee and Silvie, of Toronto; her sister Anne Clemens of Burnaby; cousins Margaret Dragovan, of Penticton, Nell Dragovan (Chet) and Vera Townsend (Gary) of Lund, BC, and their children; Mary Zelko and her daughter, Kathy Woudzia; as well as numerous cousins and their families in Slovenia and Australia. She was predeceased by her parents, Martin Clemens and Agnes Šuklje.

Vera was born in Penticton on November 12, 1940. She grew up in Osoyoos on a family orchard, graduated from the former South Okanagan High School in Oliver, and then UBC with a BA in education.

She taught English and French at secondary schools in various cities in BC. She was a Faculty Associate (Master Teacher) in the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Education Department. She always had a particular concern for new immigrants and qualified as an English as a Second Language teacher, instructing newcomers in Vancouver and Toronto. She loved and was beloved by her students.

Vera had a taste for adventure and travel. She and three of her dear friends travelled to England to work after graduating from UBC. Vera then studied French at the Alliance Française and worked for a French family as an au pair cooking for and minding their children. She travelled throughout Europe and the Middle East, including spending a month working on a kibbutz in Israel.

She shared her love of adventure while teaching at a high school in Whalley, BC. In 1968 she and a group of fellow teachers and parents escorted a group of students on a 2-month camping tour of Europe in VW and Citroen vans.

While at SFU, Vera fell in love with her future husband Michael. They married in Vancouver and a few years later relocated to Don Mills, Ontario, with their two young children when Michael pursued a job opportunity there. Vera and Michael retired to Osoyoos in 2002 and immersed themselves in Okanagan Valley life.

Vera was quick to volunteer for various organizations and causes in her community and was active in her church as a lector and in the Catholic Women’s League. She was a member of South Okanagan Amateur Players, acting in several plays. Vera’s empathetic and practical nature shone when, over several decades, she and Michael helped organize the sponsorship and resettlement of three refugee families from Uganda, Bosnia, and Syria.

Vera’s love of travel never faded. She enjoyed keeping in contact with her relatives in Canada and abroad through personal visits or by welcoming relatives when they visited Canada.

Vera was warm, loving and compassionate, and embraced life fully. She left an indelible mark on everyone she met. She will be deeply missed.

A funeral and celebration of Vera’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Osoyoos.

The Ryan family wishes to thank Drs. Tarr, Begin, and Callan and the Palliative Community Nurses for their compassionate care of Vera.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vera’s name may be made to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada, Moog & Friends Hospice House, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com