Vera Abrosimoff was born to Peter Koftinoff and Mary Berekoff in 1927. She had two brothers, Peter and Paul, who have predeceased her, and one sister, Lorraine Seminoff who currently reside in Grand Forks with her husband, Jerry Seminoff.
Vera grew up on the farm her parents had alongside the river in the Nursery area where much of the extended family lived. She went to school until grade eight and then like many others, worked in the fields and orchards of Grand Forks.
She married John Abrosimoff with whom she bore two children, Teresa Ireland of Vancouver and Marcia Webster of Mexico, who survive her.
After living for several years in Almond Gardens on the farm of John’s parents, the family moved to Division Street near the centre of town and Vera began to work at the hospital as a nurses’ aide. She did this work for 35 years, eventually earning the title of Licensed Practical Nurse. This required much studying, a challenge when she had a house, a family and a garden to manage as well.
Vera was a keen gardener. For a number of years she used to chase away the deer that came to share the bounty of her garden, but eventually the deer learned that when the kitchen door opened, there was a good chance that Vera would put potato peelings and watermelon rinds out as treats. She was a very good cook and also enjoyed many hours of doing handwork like knitting, crocheting and embroidery.
When Vera was young she was an avid reader and used to love going to see the movies. When television became the primary source of entertainment, she would usually be found watching a political discussion program or her much loved Coronation Street.
She spent the last couple of years in Boundary Lodge where the staff and her sister, Lorraine took exceptional care of her. Vera endured a long stretch of ill health and passed away on July 25, 2010. Funeral services were held at the USCC centre and burial was at the USCC Cemetery. Grand Forks Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.
After so many years of hard work, may she rest in peace.