Verna Marguerite (Groff) Leighton

On her own terms and when she was satisfied that her large, loud and loving family would take care of each other in her absence, Verna Marguerite (nee Groff) Leighton, 86, left this world on Thursday, February 27, 2020, following a very recent diagnosis and  a very dignified and stoic battle with cancer.

Born in New Hamburg, Ontario on October 17, 1933, she was the adored and doted upon daughter of William and Anna (nee Schneider) Groff and the admired and respected sister of Donny, all of whom she is now with on an eternal RV tour of the universe, as was her bucket list wish.

After studying at Kitchener Collegiate Institute, she gave her all with great enthusiasm to a brief career at the Mutual Life Assurance Company prior to marrying her roller skating and dance partner Etzel (Eddie) Leighton with whom she shared and is survived by their children Debbie, Kelly, Marti (Debbie) and Barbara Ann (Steve), grandchildren Karen (Chris), Chris (Annie), Melanie, Scott (Marie), Kendra (Jay), Nicole (Quin), Spencer (Sarah), Adam (Marie), Kim (TJ), Jason (Amanda) and John and a brood of 16 great-grandchildren with whom she shared a mutual and insatiable adoration.   She also leaves behind a large and close extended family, including cherished nephews Philip and Stephen Groff.  Hugs also go out to Samantha, for whom she acted as an unofficial “grandfriend,” and her large circle of friends, including the “Golden Girls” and her “sister-cousins”.

She is also predeceased by Eddie, Donny, her sister-in-law Clara (nee Bauman) Groff, as well as Sam Page, who provided her with unconditional love and companionship for over 20 years.  In addition, she is currently cuddling granddaughter Jennifer who left us before she had a chance to do so here on earth.

We would like to thank the staff at Guelph General Hospital for their outstanding care and support during the last three days of her life, during which time she repaid them by keeping them in stitches to the end.

A celebration of Verna’s life and open house will take place on Sunday, March 1st, 2020  from 1 – 4 p.m. in the Dockside Room at the Old Marina, 1947 McClintock Drive, Cambridge, Ontario.

If you are looking for a way to honour Verna’s memory, feel free to make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.