Verna Harris Smallman Milligan 1952-1959 Verna was born February 25, 1920 and grew up

in Knutsford on a small family mixed farm helping her parents and brother, Foster, with household and farm chores when required. She walked to and attended Knutsford school. Today, this same school thanks to the Knutsford Women’s Institute, has been transformed to a community centre used by many. Verna was

mischievous and loved to play tricks on friends

and family. Her brother and neighbor spent several hours in the clay cellar one Halloween after a heavy trunk made its way onto the cellar door. Verna married a local potato and beef farmer in the Knutsford community, and they had a son, Wendell. Verna was a wonderful cook and spent many hours spring and fall preparing meals for the employees who helped planting and digging the potato crop. The Knutsford Institute was part of the community social circle and Verna hosted meetings and helped with community events. Many lovely hooked rugs and crocheted doilies made by Verna were displayed in her home. These can still be found on display in the homes of her grandchildren. Verna moved from Knutsford and resided in O’Leary for a number of years and was employed at the Community Hospital. She loved to have family visits and one could count on games of Crazy 8 and Rummy during this time. Verna remarried and moved to the community of Milo. She eventually retired from the Community Hospital and enjoyed good health for many years. Her family still talk about her Sultana and War cake that were made throughout the year, not just at Christmastime. Verna resided in her

home in Milo until her death on November 27, 1998, at the age of 78.

Written by her niece, Annette Rennie

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