Percella “Pat” Vernie was born in Wiarton on December 8, 1934, to parents Percy and Wilda (Mole) Moore. She joined older brother Doug (1929) and before long began school in Wiarton. After school, Pat worked at a variety of jobs in town, along with helping her parents around the house.
Pat married young and soon began her family, welcoming Wayne (1951), Cathy (1954), Betty (1956) and David (1957). She kept very busy with her young family, tending to their every need. Her children were her world and she made the difficult decision shortly after to leave her marriage and care for the kids herself.
In 1963, while at a dance, Pat was introduced to a charming man, Richard “Jack” John Lettau. The two hit it off immediately and were married four years later, on September 30, 1967 in Tara. Pat and the kids relocated to “the farm” in Elderslie to join Jack. The newlyweds welcomed their son, Rick in 1968. As if life wasn’t busy enough, Jack and Pat soon enrolled as foster parents in 1970. Over the next 18 years, they cared for an additional 30 children, further opening their home and their hearts. Pat loved this opportunity as she cared for children dearly and saw it as her small way to give back.
Pat had a green thumb and absolutely loved to garden. In the spring and summer she could always be found out in her flowerbeds or tending to her vegetables. She was an amazing cook, with many of her ingredients being grown in house. No Sunday was complete without a big meal prepared for her family. Pat enjoyed a variety of music, from country to gospel to bluegrass, and had a passion for reading! She always had a book on the go, often a murder mystery. Over the years, she travelled on several bus trips, and saw both the east coast in Cape Cod and the west coast in B.C.
To say Pat enjoyed knitting would be an understatement. She was a prolific knitter. She began this hobby knitting clothing for her children and then later for grandchildren. But, she was probably best known for her hand knit socks, better known as “Mama Socks.” Many of her creations supported local charities, including the Guardian Angel and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church’s Shepherd program — two causes that were near and dear to her. In 2013, she became a member of the Knotty Knitters group and remained active until her death. These acts of love, her creations, will remain with her family and friends for years to come.
Family was the biggest part of Pat’s world. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and, most recently, her great-grandchildren. Not only was she a mom, gramma and nana to her own family, but she also held this title for many in her community. Pat was a strong, compassionate and giving woman, who was extremely hospitable and a very good listener. She had a great sense of humour, and a quick wit, was very independent, occasionally feisty and a little strong willed. Her care and commitment to others, however, is what many will remember most.
Sadly, Jack passed away on May 10, 1999. A few years later, Pat decided to downsize and moved into Chesley where she further enjoyed the company of friends and family. She spent many Sunday Funday’s in Paisley with Cathy, always catching up on the latest Facebook news (yes, she had a Facebook account, but no internet at home) or enjoying an afternoon drive. Another important day was Friday, when she caught up and enjoyed lunch with her dear and special friend, Karen. Her faith was also an important aspect of her life. She was a devoted Christian. It was this strength and faith that helped her and her family cope in recent months as Pat’s health began to decline. She passed away surrounded by her loving family, at South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Chesley on Saturday, April 13, 2019 in her 85th year.
Loving mother of Wayne (Linda) McLeod of Elmwood, Cathy (Gary) Lund of Paisley, Betty (Al) Miskie of Guelph, David (Barb) Smith of Colborne and Rick (Lisa) Lettau of Cambridge. Pat will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Wayne Jr., Lori, Mike, Angie, Ashleigh, Ryan, Darcy, Allen, Andrew, Sarah, Rebekah, Daniel, Rachel, Stephen, Elizabeth, Nathan, Joshua and Jayden, as well as eighteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, grandson Paul, brother Doug Moore and her parents Percy and Wilda (Mole) Moore.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Tuesday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service honouring Pat’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 11 a.m. Interment in Chesley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church for their Shepherd Program would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
