Verlie Maisie Sherk (nee Mervyn), of Hanover, passed away peacefully at The Village Seniors Community, Hanover on Thursday, February 18, 2021. She was 95.

Verlie was born at home in Bentinck Township (Lot 19, Con 14) to the late George and Susan (nee Mighton) Mervyn on November 9, 1925. Verlie attended several schools including Lamlash Public School, Hanover High School and Stratford Teachers College where she found her love for teaching. Her career took her to numerous rural areas which is where she loved to teach -- Crawford, Bunessan, No# 12 Brant, and Ceylon (where she became good friends with Agnes McPhail).  She enjoyed teaching Kindergarten from 1967-1984, and will be remembered by many past students and staff from James A. Magee Public School. She married the love of her life, Murray, on July 5, 1947, at Lamlash Church and was excited to figure this life out together with nothing but love and faith in God. Murray and Verlie made their home on the Sherk Farm on Con 12 Bentinck, where they raised their family. They loved to travel and spent 12 winters in Lakeland, Florida. Verlie’s greatest accomplishment was learning to play the piano and organ by ear. She was a woman that was faithful and giving, always practicing what she preached. She also was a faithful and devoted member of Victory Fellowship Baptist Church. She made herself available for service in any committee and would also help out with Sunday School. Many relationships will be treasured and remembered. She enjoyed God's work and faithfully went to the Villa every Thursday, to provide a time of music, Bible thoughts and friendship with other residents and staff. With the eventual decline of her health, she and Murray soon took up residence at the Village and they were happy to be "home" amongst many friends and staff there.

Survived by her devoted husband, Murray Sherk, who gave support and encouragement throughout their married life of 73 years. Devoted mother of Lorraine (Ken) Helwig, Carol (Keith) McDougall and Colleen (Brad) Yenssen. The gift of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren growing up in Christian homes filled her heart with joy. Always treasured grandmother of Nancy (John) Ball, Lorretta (Helwig) Fisher, Michael (Leslie) Helwig, Kattie (Quest) Hallman, Bonnie McDougall, Brent (Nicole) McDougall, John (Ashley) Yenssen, Rashelle (Jeff) Dennison; great-grandmother of 19; and great-great-grandmother of 4. Fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her beloved son, John Lyle Sherk, brother, Gordon (Lillian) Mervyn, sister, Edith (Fred) Schmidt and sisters-in-law, Helen (Charlie) Campbell and Margaret (Keith) Robinson.

To honour her wishes, a private graveside funeral service will be held in Chesley Cemetery in the Spring. Memorial donations to Victory Fellowship Baptist Church or to the Gideon Bible Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.  Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca

God gives every person their own unique song -- it's one that will play their entire lifelong. Through the love that they give and the gifts that they share -- through the memories they make and the dreams that they dare… it's a song filled with beauty and day-to-day grace, that plays through until they see God face to face. A song that is heard in the heart, loud and clear -- A song, if we listen, we'll always still hear.