Verna Joyce Effenberger
January 22, 1946 - December 10, 2008
Obituary
Verna Joyce Effenberger, beloved wife for 44 years of Jerry Effenberger, passed away on December 10th, 2008. Verna graduated from Kent-Meridian High School in 1964 and married the same year. They purchased their first home and resided there for two years before moving the Lake Forest Park where they lived for the last 42 years. Here Verna mothered and raised two children, Brad Effenberger and Traci Barnes, and was further blessed with seven grandchildren; Jerrold, Sophia, Bradley, Monique, August, Alex, and Jordan. Brad and Traci both attended Brookside Grade School where Verna served as Co-President of the PTA, receiving the Golden Acorn Award – their highest accommodation for service. She also was actively involved in the Girl and Boy Scouting programs at Brookside.
She lived a full and satisfying life filled with travel, travel, and more travel. In fact, she owned her own transportation company in which she served as President and CEO for nearly twenty years. She enjoyed seeing the world. She traveled to Europe, Disneyworld and Disneyland, and all the Hawaiian Islands many times. Several years ago she spent some time in China and marveled at the Great Wall, but shared upon her return that she really liked the ‘warmer climates and cleaner air’ much better.
Home time was usually spent cross-stitching, scrapbooking, or reading. She was an avid collector of Lladro’s, Swarovski Crystal, and Thimbles, so much so that she belonged to a Club for each. Oh….yes….she also collected jewelry.
Verna was the most kindhearted, sweetest, loving and giving person you could ever hope to meet. She never put herself first. No matter what you did you could count on her forgiveness. She always did whatever she could for others, never once expecting anything in return. Other than spending time with her husband, children and grandkids she treasured spending time with her best friend Ginny and her sisters Linda, Janice, Judy and Ginger.
She had a love for life and a greater love for her family. She will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.
In lieu of flowers Memorials in Verna’s name may be directed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Washington State, 400 East Pine Street #220, Seattle, Wa 98122. 206 322 9474
I am broken hearted having just heard about this loss. Verna was in my life for a reason. She taught me generosity, patience and appreciation for life and people. Although we lost contact years ago, I remember fondly of all the times we shared. I was going through pictures a couple of weeks ago and ran across some pics of us way back when and at the time, thought to myself..I need to get in touch with Verna…little did I know it was too late as I just found out she is now an angel watching over all of us…There are many people in my life that I have lost touch with but they will forever hold a special place in my heart…for those of you reading this, you know who you are…I am positive we will all see each other on the flip side…until then live life to the fullest with love and forgiveness in your heart as life is way to short to live it any other way. Love, Su
jerry rita and ted are so sorry about verna we wish you the best
Dear Jerry and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Verna was such a wonderful and caring person. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work for her. As I reflect back on the days at Emerald City, I see a person who always looked out for us and made us feel important. I remember how we all looked forward to a plateful of chips and a big scoop of her delicious cheese dip she made for practically every potluck. Um um good. I also remember her taking time out of her busy schedule and coming out to Harrison hospital back in 1991 to visit me after I had one of my surgeries…just to see how I was doing. She truly will be missed.
My thoughts are with all of you and I pray that you may find peace and comfort during this time.
Verna, you have been a constant in my life for 38 years. First as a sister-in-law, then as a dear friend. Beating me at pinochle was also a constant! My heart is in my throat at this time – I can’t think of you without tears. It was you who notified me of my sons death; that is our closeness. I look forward to giving you a kiss and a love when I get up there. I know it will be wonderful, I miss you so greatly.
Jerry, Traci & Brad~
Today a life was celebrated. As Verna lived her life well, I’m sure the memories shared by all were a fitting tribute to a lovely lady.
It was a privilege to know Verna as one of my Curves friends. She was genuine and kind and clearly had a heart of gold. She truly touched my life with hers.
Thank you for keeping me updated during her days in the hospital. I trust my visits were an encouragement to her and to you.
May God bring comfort to each of you in the days and months ahead.
Jerry, Traci, and Brad…
I am so sorry for your loss! Working for you and with you for so many years… wow, 1990-2000… I have many great memories of your family.
While I didn’t get to know Verena outside of work – whenever I saw her she was always quick to smile.
I am very sorry I can not attend her celebration of life memorial as I will be out of town. I am sure you know… but I will say it anyways… my thoughts, prayers, and love go out to all of you.
Please take care in this hard time!
Anne
I will miss Verna more then words could ever speak.
She was the sweatest person I have known.
Verna was just like my 2nd mom. The long talks we shared will never be forgotten. Verna I will miss you each and everyday. I know you’re watching over all of us.
Jerry , Brad and Traci your wife and Mom will be dearly missed by all.
Love Lynn
I am sorry to hear about your loss everyone. She was a good boss. I wish we had kept in touch. She will be missed. She is your guardian angel now watching over you and smiling. I will see you all tomarrow.
I don’t have anything really special to say,
But i do want to say
That I love you Grandma.
~Jordan Taylor Barnes
Verna gave a great deal to me. She helped to mother and assist my daughter Christina for many years. I am greatful for that. I knew Verna only casually, but heard many wonderful things about her through Christina. A quality person. Thank you Verna for all your help through the years.
Jan
Verna was my second mom, grandmother to my oldest son and most of all, my friend. I think about her every day. when someone touches your life like she did, there are so many reminders that she is no longer with us.
I look forward to seeing everyone at her memorial and sharing memories of her.
They do not get much better than Verna! I was lucky enough to work for Verna from ’93 to ’97. And have had several office jobs since then. I have never had a boss that was even close to as wonderful as Verna was. I will forever cherish the memories of going to Mariner games with her and also going to lunch with her and Ginny and having Verna “scare” Ginny with her driving fast…She will be dearly missed by all of those whose lives she touched. I am going to try and make it to her service, if its open to the public. Rest in Peace Verna…I miss your laugh and smile for always and forever…..Scott
She will surely be missed by her family. I haven’t seen her since the last Hilden family reunion at my home on Lake Wilderness. She was always full of fun and loved her family deeply. She will be missed.
Dear Family of Verna Effenberger,
I am sorry about the loss of your loved one. Words cannot describe feelings in a time like this. Many have found comfort in the Bible’s promises of seeing our past loved ones again such as at John 5 verses 28 and 29. Take care of yourselves and keep memories of your past loved one close.
I haven’t been able to write this for a while. We’re so sorry for your family’s loss and you all are in our prayers. My Verna will be ever so missed and each and every time I think of her which is every dayI will say a special prayer. I’m sure that Christmas and all this snow was really hard on all of you, because this was her very special time of the year. She loved Christmas and also loved the snow, as long as Jerry would drive her where ever she wanted to go. For her not to drive was something.
Her very special smile and her cute little laugh will be surely missed. I hope that she knows how much Joe and I loved her.
God Bless all of you.
Joe & Ginny
I was so honored to serve Verna throughout her year as a member of Curves. She was a sweet hearted woman and always brought a smile and story to our staff when she came for a workout. We will miss her.
Our greatest sympathies to Jerry and his family. We will miss Verna. Love, Jim and Laurie
Although I never met Verna, I know she was a great lady because I have spent time with Jerry – a great guy and American – who described Verna’s many virtues.
Jerry, Traci, and family, I extend my deepest sympathies for your loss.You will all be in my family’s thoughts and prayers this holiday season. Yours truely, Sarah,Jason, Tyler, Amanda,Mathew,and Ruby
To the Effenberger Family,
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers. Verna was such a special woman, with the sweetest of spirits. As a fellow thimble collector, we enjoyed sharing our treasures at local club meetings. She will truly be missed.
My thoughts and prayers have been with you. Jerry my heart goes out to you. Stay strong for she is right there with you always. Love Paula
Jerry, Brad and Traci,
My heart goes out to you. Verna will be missed so much. This is a particularly hard time of the year to lose someone that you love. Remember the good times and it will put a smile in your heart.
Verna had that beautiful smile that just seemed to go so well with that sweet little voice of hers, too. What a kind soul, she was.
Our grandkids will miss her immensely. She was the movie grandma…the one that could take a small herd of children and handle it all so well.
Respectively,
Cheryl Vincent
Traci my dear friend!
We’re all think of you and your family, specially now!!
We’ll never forgott your sweet mother Verna. I still see here when you where coming down the stairs at Landvetter airport!
I wish I was there for you now!!
Lot of love-
Asa, Andreas, Eva & Henry
To Jerry and the family,
I hope you all know how much I loved Verna. She was a very special “Hawaii” buddy. anytime she was in the office we would kid each other about who was going to Hawaii next and how much we envied that person.
Sweet, sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers continue to be sent out to you all. Terry
Jerry, Traci, and family,
Tears well up as I write this. Our dear Verna, club member of The Seattle Thimble Society, will be so sadly missed, and more so when members meet for our January club meeting. A place will still be there for her and especially in our hearts. No way did we ever expect this. My prayers are for your strength as you go through the grieving process. Get angry if you need to. Then ask God to help you heal. My love to all of the family. My love to Verna.
Dear Traci and Family,
I will never forget your mother, as she reminded me so much of my own mom, the loveliest of souls. I am privileged to have worked with her and it tickled me to witness first hand your mother/daughter relationship. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God Bless You.
Love,
Ric and Donna
My Mamacita was the best…and we were all truly blessed to have had her for as long as we did. I don’t think a day will go by where I don’t think about my Mom.
Jerry, Brad and Traci.
My warmest wishes go out to you and the rest of your family during this difficult time.
I will always miss and cherish that beautiful blond hair of Verna’s. she was, and will continue to be a beautiful friend, mentor and beloved boss.
She helped me to become the person that I am today, she gave me strength and hope where there was none, I will always and forever remember her guiding light and loving hand that guided me and my family through many tough times, she was simply the best.
I will always remember her beautiful smile, her exacting humor, and her quick witted comments that always made me laugh.
I wish all of you to have a peaceful Christmas and loving Holiday during this time of sorrow.
I know that Verna would want you to enjoy each other as a family during this special time of the year that she loved so much.
God bless you and may the Lord watch over our beloved Verna in his kingdom.
Jerry,Brad and Traci – I am so sorry to read of Verna’s death. My thoughts will be with you this holiday season. I think of you often and hope that the years since we worked together have been good to you. Just a month or so ago, while re-organizing my closet, I came across the afghan that Verna crocheted as a baby gift for my youngest son, who is now 6’2″ at 15. Jerry and Verna were my favorite clients for many years and I imagine Verna now, happy and at peace with a diamond ring on every finger, maybe two. My best wishes to all of you. Katherine
To The Effenberger Family,
We will always have fond memories of Verna. Her kindness and sense of humor made her a very special person.
She will be remembered by all of us as a wonderful friend and neighbor.
With our sincere sympathy and sorrow.
Ken, Lorraine, Mike, Janet and Brenda Babb
To The Effenberger Family,
I send my deepest sympathy in the lose of Verna she was a kind and caring person who always had a way of putting a smile on your face no matter how bad of a day you were having. She always knew how loved she was and now she is in a better place watching over all of us.