Vernelle Arlene (Pearson) Roach
July 18, 1963 – March 03, 2020
It is with sadness we announce the passing of Vernelle Arlene (Pearson) Roach born July 18, 1963 in High Prairie, Alta.; the fourth daughter to Stan and Faye Pearson.
When Vernelle was two years old, the family moved to Hanna, Alta. where she grew up and graduated from JC Charyk High School in 1981.
Although she always said she would work at any job as long as it didn’t involve counting money, she began working at the Royal Bank through the school work experience program.
She followed this career path for many years working in both Red Deer and in Burlington, Ont.
It was while she lived in Red Deer that she met Tom Roach, a fellow from Ontario, and they were married in 1986.
They made their home in Burlington.
Two years later, their daughter Michelle was born, followed by their son, Jared in 1991. She considered her children her greatest accomplishment and they brought her much joy.
She and Tom moved back to Alberta briefly but the beauty and security of Burlington drew them back to Ontario. After a time, she and Tom separated but they maintained an amicable relationship.
Eventually, she left the Royal Bank to pursue working in real estate. But, with the downturn in the economy, this became increasingly difficult.
Vernelle found employment with Greyhound working as a dispatcher and later in the payroll department. She was a valued and personable employee.
Vernelle fell in love with Benoit Alarie in 2012 and they enjoyed travelling, listening to music, taking in a Blue Jays game, and just being together.
When Greyhound decided to move their location to Toronto, Vernelle made the difficult decision to retire.
Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
On the morning of March 3, 2020 Vernelle’s prayers were answered when her Heavenly Father called her home.
She is survived by her children, Michelle and Jared, her parents, Stan and Faye Pearson, and her sisters, Vicki (Harley) Richardson, Colleen Bushman, and Sharalynn (Phillip) Anderson.
She is further survived by her husband, Ben Alarie, and his children, Brian and Elisa.
She will be fondly remembered and missed by her nieces and nephews, cousins, and other family members.
Due to the uncertainty of the world’s health situation, a service to honour Vernelle’s life will be announced and held at a later date.
Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in her memory.
