Verna May Babb

VERNA MAY BABB (nee Small) age 91, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2014. Beloved wife of the late William Gene; they were happily married for 58 years.; loving mother of Elwin (Pegi Pyles) North Royalton, OH, Brenna Roth (Frederick-deceased) of Strongsville,OH, Brian (Betsy) of Cincinnati, OH, and Elbert of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Cherished grandmother of Jason, Brett, Matthew, Connor, Molly and William. Verna was born in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, Canada and was one of 12 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and John Small. Dearest sister of Ennis Small (deceased) (Jean), Bruce Small (Helen), Belle Ramsay (Clarence-deceased), Olga Callbeck (Marshall-deceased) of P.E.I., Dorothy Dickson (Clarence) (both deceased) of St. John, New Brunswick, Margaret Hebb (deceased) (Rev. Cecil-Mildred) of Nova Scotia, Alden Small (Marguerite-deceased) of Ottawa, Ontario, Ruth MacEachern Burwell (deceased) (Seal) of N.Y., Velda Phillips (Colin) (both deceased) of Toronto, Ontario, Ellen Small (deceased) and Major Small (deceased); dear aunt to many nieces and nephews and wonderful friend to many. Verna went to Halifax School for the deaf in Nova Scotia before moving to Toronto, Ontario, where she worked. She was married on August 8, 1953. She lived in Parma, Ohio for more than 50 years. She led a very active life. She was involved in the Theatre for the Deaf and toured in Toronto, Chicago, Cincinnati, and New York City, the Cleveland Association of the Deaf, and spent many hours volunteering with hearing-impaired children at Taft Elementary School in Lakewood, Ohio. She was awarded the "Education Friend Award" from Lakewood City Schools. She volunteered at the WVIZ auction. Verna was an energetic, caring and giving person and touched all those that she came in contact with. Friends may call at THE KOLODIY-LAZUTA FUNERAL HOME, 5677 STATE RD. (PARMA), SATURDAY 2-4 P.M. Interment St.John's Parish Cemetery, St. Eleanor's, Prince Edward Island, Canada. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Cleveland Assoc. of the Deaf 10416 Lorain Rd., Clev., Oh 44111, the Leukemia Foundation, Alzheimer's or Diabetes Association.