Vera Marlene Shouldice (née Head)
September 2, 1940 – June 27, 2025
With deepest sorrow, the family of Vera Marlene Shouldice (née Head) announces her sudden passing on June 27, 2025, in Alberta while visiting her daughter and family. Vera passed away peacefully in her daughter’s loving arms.
Born on September 2, 1940, in Nestledown, Saskatchewan, Vera was the beloved daughter of Eugene and Margaret Head. She met her first husband, Lawrence Stevens, and together they moved to Kenora, Ontario, where she began her family and built a life grounded in love, strength, and community. In 1981, she married her second husband, Kelvin Shouldice, and they shared many cherished years together.
Vera was a proud and dedicated worker, spending over thirty years at Perths Cleaners. Her strong work ethic was matched only by her incredible resilience. She faced numerous health challenges over the years—including remission from lung cancer, surviving COVID, and recovering from an aneurysm—but she never gave up. Through every obstacle, Vera remained determined, hopeful, and full of fight.
She was a long-time member of the Canadian Daughters Association, and later, the Ladies in Black, remaining proudly involved until her illness in 2020.
Vera had a fierce zest for life. She loved her visits to Alberta, especially the time spent with her daughter and grandchildren. Her sharp wit, big personality, and storytelling made every gathering brighter. Whether she was calling or attending bingo, enjoying casino trips with her best friend Pat, or going out for Saturday lunches with family and friends, Vera made every moment count. She had a deep love for music, and her loyal mini Pomeranian, Buttons, who is now reunited with her.
Vera was predeceased by her loving husband, Kelvin Shouldice; her infant daughter, Shannon; her parents, Margaret and Eugene Head; her brother, Gerald Head; her sister, Clara Crawford; her great-grandson, Ryley Hetherington; her step-grandson, Bobby Langlois; step-great-granddaughter, Jerica Williams; step-great-grandson, Tanner Lindstrom; her beloved son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Langlois; and her dear companion, Buttons.
She is survived by her daughters, Wendy Langlois (late Bob Langlois) of Kenora, Ontario, and Tracey Dempster (Toby) of Stony Plain, Alberta; her grandchildren, Shannon Dorward (Stuart Hetherington) of Spruce Grove, Alberta, and Dillon Stevens (Sabrina Keane) of Spruce Grove, Alberta; step-granddaughter, Leona Williams of Kenora, Ontario; and great-grandsons, Alyxander Hetherington and Xxavier Hetherington. Vera also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, with a special place in her heart for her nephew, Alan Head.
A celebration of life for Vera will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Parkview Apartments – common room, Kenora, Ontario and her final resting place will be in Canwood, Saskatchewan, where she will be laid to rest beside her infant daughter, Shannon.
Vera’s strength, sass, and unwavering spirit will never be forgotten. Her laughter, her stories, and her love will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew her.