Perry – Vera Zelma Pauline Perry of Rainier, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family and her beloved husband Jim, in Brooks on September 9th, 2006. Born in Taber on January 10th, 1921 to parents Charles and Zelma Harball (Black). When Vera was a very young child, her mother was remarried to Dean Murphy and she was raised in Rainier as part of a large family that included brothers Merritt, Dale, Jack, Jim, and Glen and sisters Clara, Ruth and Donna. She attended school and grew up in Rainier. On February 28th, 1938 Vera was married to Glen Holden and four children were born Nephi, Zelma, Gwen and Al. Glen tragically passed away in 1948. She married Jim Perry July 28th, 1949 and three children were born to this couple Art, Susan, and Scott. The family resided in the Rainier area until 1959 when they moved to Cassils. During this time Vera worked at the IGA store in Brooks in the employee of Charlie Northcott, and at the Trans Canada Restaurant for Mas Nakamura. In 1966 the family moved to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. After a time she was employed with Kentucky Fried Chicken where Vera became store manager. From 1970 until 1981 she worked for the British Columbia Ferry Corporation as cashier and Second Steward. During this time Vera studied for and secured all certificates of safety and management training. Jim and Vera returned to the Brooks area not long after her retirement from the Ferries. She assumed the position of ‘Matron’ of the Newbrook Lodge from 1982 to 1986. Her family was the center and the joy of her life. Vera was a loving and devoted wife and mother all of her years. She particularly loved music and accumulated a large collection of favorites. Jim and Vera were able to travel to the southern states for several years where she began to make jewelry. Vera thoroughly enjoyed this hobby and made some very beautiful pieces. She loved growing things and always had flowers, plants or shrubs on the go. Several years ago a very unique circumstance brought her together with her father’s (Charles Harball) second family. Immediately upon meeting their step brothers and sisters, the two families became very close and remain not only family, but dear friends to this present time. Vera was predeceased by her a son Al Holden, husband Glen Holden, parents Dean and Zelma Murphy, brothers and sisters-in-law Merritt and Gladys Murphy, Dale and Polly Murphy, Chuck and Sally Harball, brother Frankie Murphy, sisters Helen Harball and Peggy Cantrell, brothers-in-law Art Perry and Bill Elgie. She is survived by her loving family husband Jim, children Nephi (Jean) Holden of Brooks, Zelma (Leo) Smith of Brooks, Gwen (Jack) Hobson of Montgomery, Texas, Art (Janice) Perry of Courtenay B.C., Susan (Craig) MacRae of Nanaimo, Scott (Debbie) Perry of Spruce Grove; sisters Clara (Andy) Link of Brooks, Ruth Elgie of Nanaimo, Donna (Jack) Kearl of Magrath and Sally (Lloyd) Jackson of Ronan, Montana; brothers Jack (Elaine) Murphy of Nanaimo, Jim (Claudia) Murphy of Magrath, Glen (Elsa) Murphy of Rainier, Gordon (Carol) Harball of Montana, Paul (Betty) Harball of Oregon, Larry (Vi) Harball of Ontario and Jerry (Alice) Harball of Montana. This wonderful lady leaves 20 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a time of visitation and prayer at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, September 12th from Smith Memorial Chapel, 204-3rd Ave. West, Brooks. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 13th from the Rainier Community Hall. All friends and acquaintances are cordially invited to join the family in this memorial service and celebration of the life of Vera Zelma Pauline Perry! In Memory of Vera, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of choice. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
