Obituary of Vera Nettie Harris

It is with great sadness that the family of Vera Nettie Harris, of Saint John,
announce her passing which occurred on Thursday, May 29 th , 2025, at the Saint
John Regional Hospital. Born October 17, 1932, in Codys, Queens County, New
Brunswick, Vera was the daughter of Moody Thorne and Millie (Thorne) Thorne.
Vera was predeceased by her parents and husbands Harry Lingley (Harp) and Cecil
Harris. She is survived by her two sons; Thomas Lingley of Saint John, and Andrew
Lingley of London, Ontario. Vera is also survived by two sisters; Virginia Viger
(Alphie deceased) of Coles Island, and Nellie Perry and her husband Arthur, of
Cambridge Narrows. She also leaves to mourn her sister-in-law Rita Thorne
(Murray, Vera’s brother, deceased) of Saint John, plus many beloved nieces and
nephews. Vera is also survived by two stepsons; Peter Harris of Kitchener-
Waterloo, Ontario, and Robert (Joanne) Harris of Saint John.

Vera took business training at Modern Business College in Saint John. She worked
in accounting and financial and business management for many years and in
many places. She started working very young at the Irving and Riley Canteen at
the Saint John Dry Dock, where she eventually became Manager of the business.
She then went on to work as the Manager of Accounts Receivable at King Square
Jewelers and then she worked for over 15 years at the Credit Bureau of Saint John
as a Reporter and Recorder. Vera then worked as the Credit Manager and Book
Keeper at American Furriers and then eventually Vera went on to work as the
Store Manager at Casual Corners Ladies Clothing in Market Square.
Vera was a long-standing member and supporter of Codys Baptist Church. She
was brought up in Codys and she had a summer trailer there on family property
which she visited weekly during the summer months. She did her own mowing at
her country home and up to, and including last year, she could be seen mowing
the grass on her ride-on mower. With her sisters nearby in Cambridge Narrows
and Coles Island, Vera regularly spent a lot of time with her family.
Vera was an expert at 3-D paper tole, and many of her framed pictures are
displayed in friends’ and family homes. She was also an avid quilter, with her
quilts also distributed to family, one of her favorites being a large, photo quilt,
which displays many family photos done using the transfer medium to capture
the pictures, on the heavily quilted fabric, which is difficult to do.

Vera lived at Brentwood Towers for over 37 years and took an active part in the
day-to-day life there. She managed the coin collection at the in-house Brentwood
laundry for many years and she was also very involved in the social life of the
Brentwood community. She was also a member of the in-house committee for
many years, who together with Gerry Logan, introduced the first Brentwood
Garden Party. As well, Vera worked with this committee to decorate and plan the
Christmas decorations and get togethers, regularly organize and put together
coffee parties, as well as being involved in birthday and anniversary celebrations.
Recently, both a first-responder and Vera’s lawyer, repeatedly commented on
how mentally sharp and on-top-of-things, Vera continued to be. She regularly
played cards, bingo, etc. and she also continued her keen interest on what was
taking place in the running of the Brentwood Condo Building Business, and the
world beyond. Vera also spoke daily/regularly with her Brentwood friends and
family including Sharon Hughes, Roxanne Gervais, Brian Blanchard, and Brian and
Martha Edwards. Her good company will be missed by many.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111
Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424) where both visitations and Vera’s
funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. A private family visitation time is
scheduled from 11:30 to 12:00 PM, followed by a regular open visitation from
12:00 to 1:00 PM. Directly following the visitations, Vera’s funeral will then be
held from Brenan’s Chapel at 1:00 PM. A private family interment is to take place,
Thursday, June 5 th , 2025, at the Second Cambridge Narrows Baptist Cemetery.