Vera McLean (nee Wickens)

October 27, 1928 – October 12, 2024

With heavy hearts, the family of Vera McLean announces her peaceful passing on October 12, 2024, just shy of her 96th birthday. Vera was the beloved wife of Doug McLean for 62 wonderful years, a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Vera is lovingly remembered by her son Roy (Lynn) King, and daughter-in-law Barb Christensen-King; grandchildren: Shannon (Corey) Richards, Kari King, Adam (Erin) King, Troy (Kim) King, and Michelle (Shawn) King; great-grandchildren: Katelyn Richards, Evie and Alexander King, Haley and Carter King, Ashli and Zachery Olson. She is also remembered by her sister-in-law Maxine McLean, sister-in-law Elaine (Ned) Petrie, sister-in-law Donalda (Lowell) Ofstie, brother-in-law Donovan (Heather) McLean and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son John King, first husband Cyril King, parents Arthur and Kathleen Wickens, brother Sydney (June) Wickens, parents-in-law Allan and Ellen McLean and brother-in-law Bob McLean. Also father-in-law Wilfred King, brother-in-law Jim (Katie) King, and sisters-in-law Edith (Bob) Johnson, Amy (Harvey) Reeves, Mae (Earl) Norris, Isabelle (Walter) Lesyk.

Vera came to Canada as a war bride in 1946, leaving behind the bustling city life of England to embrace farm life in Saskatchewan. It was a profound change—no electricity or running water—but Vera adapted with resilience and grace. In 1961 tragedy struck when her first husband, Cyril, passed away in a construction accident at the Gardiner Dam. She found love again and married Doug McLean on October 13, 1962, beginning a new chapter. Together they ran the McLean’s Hardware store for 35 years. Vera would mind the store while Doug drove the school bus and trucked the grain from the combine at harvest time.

Vera was a remarkable woman, known for her love of gardening, canning, and cooking, always taking pride in caring for her family. She was an accomplished needleworker and seamstress, even sewing her granddaughter’s graduation dress. A talented singer and pianist, Vera was a longtime member of the Birsay church choir and had a particular fondness for the music of Vera Lynn.

In 1964, Vera and Doug began their adventures, traveling to over 60 countries, embarking on 15 cruises and numerous bus tours. They had a passion for exploring new places, never missing an opportunity to discover small towns and hidden gems across Saskatchewan. Despite Vera’s dementia, Doug continued to take her on short drives even after she entered the Health Centre, cherishing every moment together until her health declined.

The family would like to send a big Thank You to the staff of Lucky Lake Health Centre for the care and compassion shown while Vera was a resident.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vera’s memory can be made to the Lucky Lake Health Centre.

We remember their Love when they can no longer remember.