Verna Pauline Steeves

March 17, 1950 – April 22, 2026

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Verna Pauline Steeves, of Little Harbour, Pictou County, born in Isaac’s Harbour, Guysborough County—a devoted wife, cherished mother, and proud grandmother.

Married for nearly 57 years, she and Art shared a lifetime of love and adventure, travelling many miles together on road trips to racetracks here, there, and everywhere, in RVs of escalating size over the years.

She was predeceased by father, Edison Cooke, mother, Bertha (Langille) Cooke, siblings Alice, Florence, Ileen, Howard, Arnold, Edison “Bud”, Albert, Allan, Douglas, Cecil and Jack.

She is survived by her loving husband, Art; daughter, Carol (Tim); granddaughter, Paget; grandson, Zachary (girlfriend Monique); siblings Joyce Avery, Cindy (Jim) Parsons, Raymond and David (Cherry); brother in law Robert (Lynn) Steeves; special niece Kim Frederick, special friends Linda Brake and Peter Frederick and many nieces and nephews.

She shared a particularly special bond with her daughter, Carol. They cared deeply for one another, taught each other throughout the years, and shared a mutual admiration that was evident to all who knew them.

Though small in stature, she filled every room with her larger-than-life personality and unmistakable, rarely quiet voice. You never once questioned where she stood on something—and who would she be not to tell the world about it. She lived fully, loved fiercely, and left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her. She liked things done on Vern’s time—and that meant now.

There are enough Vern stories to fill many books, many of them drawn from her experiences at different jobs. But perhaps her most important role was that of caregiver. She was a powerful presence in the lives of the many children she babysat over the years, including nephews Adam (Amy) and Andrew (Cass), leaving a lasting impression on each of them.

An avid gardener, she found peace and purpose in tending to the things that grow. Whether it was coaxing beauty from the soil or keeping a watchful eye on every leaf and bloom, her gardens were a reflection of her care, patience, and spirit.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. Over the years she could be found on her hands and knees, happily playing “horse” with Paget riding proudly on her back, or in the basement, spending countless hours playing mini-stick hockey with Zachary—never tiring, never holding back, always fully present. Those moments, filled with laughter and love, will be treasured forever.

She could also be found at the race track, and even enjoying some post-race socializing with the “Grannies Gone Wild” crowd. Or on a trip down south, soaking up the sun with her bestie, Linda. Or the predictable, regular weekends with her special niece Kim, who never missed spending a holiday with Auntie and Uncle. She loved the sound of laughter filling her living room, because bringing people together was what she always did best.

She also cherished her girls’ weekends at her sister Cindy’s, where the “council” would secretly meet and, of course, solve the world’s problems.

She faced cancer with remarkable strength and determination. Over several years—including a long and difficult year in the hospital in Halifax—she fought with everything she had. When she was once given just days to live more than two years ago, she defied the odds in true fashion. The “Queen of the Comeback,” she rallied and gifted her family two more years filled with activity, laughter, and deep love.

This time, one final comeback was not in the cards. But her spirit carries on.

Somewhere in heaven, there’s a tree being gently pruned to perfection, a plant receiving a little extra care and water, and every “cinch bug” being chased away with determination. That’s where you’ll find her—still tending, still caring, still making things better.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 24 from 6–8 p.m. at Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. A funeral service will take place Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. at Little Harbour Presbyterian Church, with refreshments and fellowship to follow at the Little Harbour Community Centre.