ALMA – Verna Elizabeth van Bommel, 54, Alma, passed away, Thursday, April 23, 2009, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, surrounded by her family. Born in Sydney Mines, she was a daughter of the late Theresa Catherine (Grant) and Ralph Melvin (Pearl) Grant, Mount Thom. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, Stellarton, where she assisted with Religious Education. Verna had been a volunteer with Brownies and Girl Guides, the Food Bank, YMCA, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Johnny Miles Foundation and many other organizations. Prior to her marriage, she was employed as an operator with the former Maritime Tel & Tel. Verna enjoyed working out at the Y, especially running. Family and friends were very important to her. Besides being remembered for her delicious soups, the memory of her caring and generous spirit will never be forgotten. Surviving besides her father, are her husband, John Henry van Bommel; daughters, Anneke, Toronto, Ont.; Rachel (Matt Bigney), sons, Mark and David , Canmore, Alta.; sister, Margie (Vernon) Grant-Walsh, New Glasgow; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary (John) Heukshorst, Peter, Joe (Dot), Henry (Diana), Joanne (Eileen), Teresa (Roy) Arsneault, Margie (Peter) McInnis, Anthony, Christine, Paul, Louie, Martin (Diane); many nieces and nephews. Besides her mother, Theresa, she was predeceased by her father and mother-in-law, Joseph “Joe” and Maria van Bommel. The family will receive visitors 7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 25th and 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Sunday, April 26th in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday , April 27th in Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Peter MacDonald presiding. Interment will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Stellarton. Donations may be made in her memory to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society, the Pictou County Victorian Order of Nurses or the Canadian Cancer Society.