Elvera (Vera) Edline Gesell (nee Pluchinski)

A loving heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. With heavy hearts and deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Vera on Monday, August 18, 2025 following a difficult health battle.

Vera will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband of 66 years and the love of her life, Alfred, daughter Cindy (Darren), son Derwin (Kim), granddaughter Ainsley (Dan), great-granddaughter Peyton. She is also cherished by her sister and best friend Erica Pommer, brothers George, William (Darlene), cousin Dolores Knopf, special sisters in-law Inga Gesell and Linda Penner, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Vera was predeceased by her parents Paul and Melita Pluchinski and in-laws Samuel and Herta Gesell.

Vera was born on November 17, 1938 in Whitemouth, MB. She grew up on the family farm where her hard work ethic was instilled in her by her parents. This trait was applied to everything she did throughout her life. Her strong work ethic was matched by her kindness, love and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand. Vera was always smiling and her beautiful blue eyes always sparkled.

After attending Oldenburg school, Vera worked for a drycleaning business in Winnipeg and at Milbrandt’s Chip Stand in Whitemouth, which was “the place” to be in town.

On June 20, 1958 Vera married the one and only love of her life Alfred. They rented a small house in town and began their forever life. In 1963 they built their new home where they raised their two children. Many family get togethers and dinners were held at their house as Vera was an excellent cook and baker. Her family will always remember her legendary delicious dishes including the tiniest of cabbage rolls, cinnamon and poppy buns, donuts and homemade bread. She baked cakes or cookies everyday, and she loved nothing more than sharing the tasty baked goodies with family and friends.

Vera was very good at crafts and especially loved to crotchet and do embroidery cross-stitch. Many of her beautiful doilies are in homes near and far.

Vera was a faithful member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Whitemouth. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, ladies quilting bees, altar guild, and a member in the ELW. Her strong faith helped her lead an honest and loving life and she was a faithful servant to God.

Vera loved and tended to her numerous flower beds throughout the yard and the large vegetable garden. Each season she and Alfred would make numerous trips to nurseries to purchase the delicate and colour plants. Vera encapsuled the glory of gardening…”hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, by the soul.” - Alfred Austin During the summer and fall, many vehicles would drive slowly by our home and admire the beautiful landscapes Vera created.

Vera enjoyed travelling and was always up for something new to try. She travelled to Florida, Bahamas, Grand Forks, Chilliwack and Edmonton. Her favourite times were being spent outdoors, enjoying the yard, listening to the birds, going for drives in the countryside, and spending time with Alfred and her family and friends. She also loved music, dancing, shopping and visiting.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the doctors, nurses and aides, who helped care for Vera over the last few years. We are thankful for the wonderful people we have met, and the amazing friends made, especially the lunch table ladies.

Special thank you and love to Inga, who took shifts with us during Vera’s final days, reading to her, sharing stories and saying prayers.

As per Vera’s wishes, a private service will be held. Vera supported and believed in helping various charitable organizations over the years. If you wish, donations can be made to IERHA, Resident Council Fund/Music, Whitemouth PCH, Box 160, Whitemouth, MB R0E 2G0 or a favourite charity of your choice.

Your wings were ready, but our hearts were not.

It’s not goodbye, but until we meet again.

Love you to the moon and back.

Auf wiedersehen.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com