La Verna Mae Nadine Macdonald, a long-time Whidbey Island resident, passed peacefully on Jan. 3, 2011, in Bellingham, from a short battle with leukemia, and a long battle with dementia; she was 79.

She was born Feb. 22, 1931, to Evelyn Eileen Powers and John Archie Macdonald. “Grandma” as everyone called her was a vibrant woman with a heart of gold. She made sure her life was lived for Jesus. Verna Mae always made sure she was busy, whether she was sewing, gardening, feeding the animals, or most of all cooking! She was preceded in death by her youngest son Andy.

She is survived by her four other children, Cathy, Dave, Sally and John. She also is survived by her immediate grandchildren, Eli Sanchez, John Sanchez, Arthur Sanchez, Scarlet Tull, Andrew Tull, Ronny Tull and Serrah Tull. She also has way too many great grandchildren to count. She will always be remembered for her dedication to give and never having the notion to get appreciated for her deeds. She was very humble and full of grace. Always a character and always feisty, she knew just the right thing to say. She attended the Seventh-day Adventist Church her whole life where she made many friends, including her best, Dorothy Cantrell. Grandma was a lady who could always make you laugh and make your heart soar to a melody that she wished everyone could hear. Her family will always be blessed knowing that this great woman took amazing care of her grandchildren and gave her all for them; her blood, sweat and tears.

She is finally at peace and where she wants to be. Only the Lord will be able to call her name and wake her soul and take her home. She will be deeply missed and thought of often. Her vibrant soul lives vivaciously through her family and her family is very gracious for the great care that she received from her friends at Bellingham Health Care and Rehabilitation. May God bless and keep you safe.

A memorial service will be held at the Oak Harbor Seventh Day Adventist Church on Sunday, Jan. 30.