Verna Noreen Bishop

February 23, 1939 – May 24, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Verna Bishop (Todd) announces her peaceful passing on May 24, 2026, while under the compassionate care of Mountain Lea Lodge, at the age of 87.

Born in West Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, on February 23, 1939, Verna was the daughter of Mark and Gladys Todd. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, friendship, and devotion to her family. She spent many years in Paradise, NS, before moving to Mountain Lea Lodge in 2020 when her dementia progressed.

Verna was predeceased by her dear husband Allan, whom she married on April 16, 1960. Together, they shared 46 years of marriage and began their life together honeymooning in Cape Breton. She was also predeceased by her parents, Mark and Gladys Todd; her sister Peggy Meisner and brother‑in‑law Arnold; her sister Mary Lou Marshall and brother‑in‑law Russell; and her great‑grandson, baby Ivan.

She leaves behind her loving children, Darin Bishop, Jill Jackson (Pete), Sherri Thom (Paul), and Peter Bishop (Tabatha). Verna was a proud and devoted Nanny to her grandsons Thomas, Alexander, Logan, Evan, Aidan, Cohen, and Parker, all of whom brought her tremendous joy and pride. She is also survived by her dear sister Donna Wefer and brother‑in‑law Bud, along with many extended family members and treasured friends.

Over the years, Verna wore many hats. She first worked as a secretary at Bridgetown High School before becoming a hairdresser and operating her own salon from her home. Later, she worked as a hostess at the Bridgetown Motor Hotel, where her outgoing nature and gift for conversation made her a natural fit. Verna loved chatting with people she had never met and had the gift of striking up a conversation with anyone. Pink was her colour, and she owned it completely — always put together, never without her signature pink lipstick. She had a wonderful laugh, a vibrant personality, and a fun‑loving spirit that drew people to her everywhere she went.

Friendship meant so much to Verna. She loved spending time with her friends and back in the day they would have coffee parties, play card games, make the rounds at Christmastime to visit family and friends, and enjoy gatherings at the house before New Year’s Eve at Paradise Hall. Some of her happiest memories were times spent with her three sisters, including visits to Liverpool and trips to the Meisner cottage in Greenfield.

Verna enjoyed being involved in her community and church. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she loved attending church for as long as her health allowed, until fibromyalgia eventually made it too difficult. She also enjoyed golfing and curling, as well as several adventures including a trip to the Bahamas with friends; Trinidad & Tobago aboard a cargo ship; a trip to the Canadian Rockies; and sunny vacations down south with her daughters. As the years passed, health challenges eventually forced her to slow down, though she continued to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and the company of those she loved.

Verna was especially known for her love of cooking and baking. Family and friends could always count on homemade treats in her kitchen — pies, raspberry twirl, egg tarts, and countless other sweets made with love. Her home was always warm, welcoming, and full of good things to eat. She also had a special love for flowers, beautiful hanging baskets, and spending quiet moments watching the hummingbirds from the veranda.

Above all else, Verna loved spending time with family and enjoyed big gatherings with good food and a glass of wine. Nothing made her happier than being “Nanny” to all her boys.

Visitation will take place from 2:00–4:00 PM on Saturday, June 13th at Kaulbach Family Funeral Home in Bridgetown, NS. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Sunday, June 14th at 2:00 PM at Kaulbach Family Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mountain Lea Lodge for the care and kindness shown to Verna during her years there.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Verna’s memory may be made to the Paradise Community Hall or Alzheimers Society of Nova Scotia.