Verona Edelstein

Born in Regina to Godfrey Edward (Ted) Edelstein and Irene Marie (Rene) Labossiere. Survived by her sisters Sharon Bell and Patricia Edelstein and much loved nieces and nephews. 

She grew up in Regina, Calgary, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Vancouver, where she graduated from Delbrook Senior High School. She then Graduated from University Of British Columbia with Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in political science. Whilst there she joined the Sorority Kappa Alpha Theta where she made life long friends. 

After graduation she was recruited by the foreign Service and served in London, New York, Jakarta and Bonn. After returning to Ottawa she became a Fellow at Carlton University. she then attended the National Defence College. Where she traveled extensively and made life long friends. Her two last postings were as ambassador in Tanzania and the democratic republic of Congo. where she opened Canada’s first embassy. 

It was while living in Tanzania she became the first women to join the Rotary club. This resulted in the opportunity for other women to become Rotary members. 

Upon retirement she moved to Vancouver. Where she was involved with the international Womens Group, her sorority and the Vancouver Downtown Rotary. It was through Rotary she lead efforts to provide major assistance in the form of providing community water wells, shipments of medical supplies and other necessities. 

She was an animal lover. Starting in Europe with stray cats that she adopted and brought back to Canada. While living in Yaletown she adopted a puppy she named Charlie, the love of her life. Together they walked the sea wall and during cold winters migrated to her home on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. After Charlie passed, She fell in love with a sweet puppy named Tazi, who remained her companion until her death. 

Verona was a force of nature no matter what she was undertaking. An avid skier and golfer, excelled on the slopes and enjoyed golfing with friends and family. She also loved playing bridge. And of course would break out into song and a Bahamian dance if the beat presented itself. 

Verona passed away as she lived, fearlessly, on her own terms.