Verna J Cain
March 18, 1937 - March 20, 2018
Obituary
Verna J. Cain
Verna J Cain was born on March 18, 1937 in LeCompte, Louisiana, the oldest of 6 children of Woodrow Wilson & Eloise C. Williams.
Verna moved with her parents and siblings as a child to the Seattle area in the 50’s.
She graduated from West Seattle High School in 1955. She attended Central Washington, and Bellevue Community College where she received a Degree in Nursing in 1974.
While attending Central Washington Verna met the love of her life, Willie Cain who was in the Air Force and stationed at nearby Moses Lake. They were married in 1958 and they made their home in Seattle. Their union was blessed with 4 girls, Michelle, Yvonne, Twyla and Renee.
Early on while attending Nursing School Verna’s enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to nursing were recognized by her instructors and classmates who elected her to “Who’s Who” Among students in American Junior Colleges for Outstanding Students, 1973-1974.
Upon graduation Verna began her career at the New Burn unit at Harborview Medical Center.
During her 33-year stint she worked in a variety of roles beginning as a Staff Nurse and her final position at retirement was Manager of the Outpatient Burn and Plastic Surgery Clinic.
During this time, she developed and coordinated the first discharge planning program at Harborview Medical Center for the burn unit.
Her passion and commitment to caring for burn victims continued to progress and Verna went on to publish over 12 articles and chapters and has had over 47 regional, national and international presentations in burn care and rehabilitation. “Care of Your Burns after Hospitalization” in 1977 and “Nursing Care, In Rehabilitation of the Burn Patient in 1984 were two of the publications she was most proud of.
Over the years she was the recipient of several awards and honors for her outstanding contribution to burns, one of her highest honors was being the recipient of Curtis P. Artz award from the American Burn Association for her contributions and achievements in the field of burn care. This award is the highest honor given by the association to someone without a doctorate.
Verna retired in 2006 and received a trip to Brazil and Hawaii as gifts from Harborview and the burn team. To this day the Burn Clinic continues to honor her with a plague and picture that hangs on the wall in the burn clinic and a Nursing scholarship in her name.
Verna loved to travel, and the national and international presentations for the American Burn Association made it possible for her to fulfill this desire. The Netherlands and Singapore were among the destinations she visited. After retirement she would continue to travel taking trips every other month. In addition to traveling she loved to cook and bring all her family and friends together to enjoy her Southern cuisine, an opportunity for everyone to laugh, talk and dance. Verna found fishing to be very therapeutic, she and her brother “Bubba” would go fishing at separate spots on the lake and meet up afterwards to enjoy their favorite drink, laugh, talk and compare fishing stories.
Verna cherished her family, family time as well as family vacations were important. Some of her favorite traditions was bi-annual family brunch once in January and another in May for Mother’s Day or June for Father’s Day. An annual family trip to Ocean city and her overnight excursions with her sister Eloise. During any of the family get together you would often find Verna sitting back watching and listening to, enjoying everyone talking, enjoying a meal and laughing. it was one of her greatest pastimes and it made her very happy. She would say, “When you girls are happy I’m happy”.
She was Mom, Grandmamma, Auntie Jean, Jean and Verna to all those who loved her!
Verna passed away peacefully on March 22, 2018 at 5:22pm surrounded by her family including her two surviving sisters.
Verna leaves to cherish her memory, her two sisters, Eloise Williams, and Henrietta Williams, Her four daughters, Michelle Walden, (Gary), Yvonne Cain, Twyla Cain-Johnson, (Terrence), and Renee Cain. 6 grandchildren, Tianna Cain, Darrell Cain (Sara), Taisha Cain, Marshall Cain (Natalia), Jasmine Walden and Audasia Davis. 6 Great grandchildren, Mykel Bellecourt, Caprice Cain, Janae Cain, Tayshaun Micks, Montez Cain, Myanna Cain. Niece, Patricia Cain, Nephew Spencer Jones, (Tina). Along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Verna was preceded in death by her sister Wilma Fay Richardson, brother Wilson Ray Williams, father Woodrow Wilson Williams, mother Eloise C Williams and her brother Edward “Bubba” Williams.
I heart is broken but I also feel joy knowing that my precious aunty is at peace.
She taught me much in words and action showing love unconditionally but providing guidance through life’s tough terrain.
I always admired and loved you and will continue to do so as long as I have breath knowing you will never be gone because of the contribution you made to the lives of all of us that we continue to passed to our youths.
206- 722-3919 is a number I could always call for comfort and understanding.
You will live in my heart for ever. Love you Cain
It is sad to say goodbye to a best friend and colleague. Verna and I solve the problems of the world many evenings over drinks. She was a great travel companion and we enjoyed salmon fishing together. Most of all we enjoyed many laughs together. I never forget her memorable laugh.
Verna was such an inspiration and role model. Enjoyed the 5 years I worked with her. Can still hear her voice and laugh. l am honored to know her