Vera COLLEY

Vera was born in 1938 in Askern, England, to Vera and James Percy Savage. In 1959, she married the love of her life, Alfred Colley. Together, they welcomed four children and made the courageous decision in 1974 to move across the Atlantic to Canada, seeking a better life and brighter opportunities for their young family.

Their Canadian journey began in Sparwood, BC, but they soon found home in Fernie, where they spent the majority of their lives raising their family. Ever adventurous, Vera and Alfred later fell in love with Haida Gwaii while visiting their son Nigel during his military posting. This led them to move to the island for a memorable chapter of coastal life. In later years, they relocated to the beautiful Creston Valley to be closer to family. There, they lived happily until Alfred’s passing in August 2016, after 57 wonderful years of marriage. Following his loss, Vera returned to Fernie to live with her daughter April and son-in-law Wayne.

Vera was a woman who truly embraced life’s simple pleasures and grand adventures alike. She was a passionate world traveler, exploring over 25 countries across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean. In her later years, these trips became treasured family traditions alongside April, Glynn, Christopher, and Cera. Whether she was exploring a new country or simply sitting by a resort pool ordering her favorite drink with a cheeky, “I’ll have what she’s having,” Vera brought joy wherever she went. She was famously known for getting a classic case of the giggles after a few drinks, and her sharp, witty sense of humor never failed to brighten a room.

At home, Vera found immense happiness in the quiet rhythms of life. She loved her walks around Fernie with April and Glynn, tracing the paths along the dyke to look for wildlife, always making time for a reliable coffee and snack stop at Tim Hortons. She had a profound love for animals, an undeniable sweet tooth, and could often be found happily watching the Food Network.

Above all else, Vera’s greatest legacy is the immense love she had for those close to her.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Alfred; her parents, Vera and James Percy Savage; her stepfather, Albert Roberts; her brothers, Alan and John; and her great-grandchild Joshua Anthony Edward Colley.

Vera’s memory will be cherished forever by her children: Glynn Colley, Nigel Colley (Jo-anne), Anthony Colley (Lesley), and April Atherton (Wayne). She is the proudly adored Nana of Cera Atherton and Christopher Atherton (Haley); Tony Barry and Michael Colley (Victoria); and Jenn Warlow (Mike), Steven Colley (Jenna-Lynn), and Kris Colley (Amy). She also leaves behind many beloved great-grandchildren, including her newest joy, great-grandson Théoden James Alfred Atherton, as well as a large, loving extended family and many friends spread across the globe.

Vera’s warmth, her laughter, and her fierce love for her family will never be forgotten. She is now reunited with her beloved Alfred, likely sharing a sweet treat and a good laugh.

The Colley and Atherton families would like to thank the Health Professionals and all the staff at Rocky Mountain Village for making sure Vera was comfortable at her time of passing.

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