October 28, 1928 - August 1, 2022
Verna Irene (Bumstead) Eagle, age 93, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away on August 1, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at the Merlin Home in Sault Michigan. She was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Seymour Bumstead and Annie (McGruther) Bumstead.
Verna grew up on a farm in Bruce Township Michigan where she attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse. After graduating from Sault High School, she attended nursing college in Marquette Michigan for a short time when she was called home to help her family on the farm after her father contracted polio. She is the oldest sibling to one sister and 5 brothers. Verna married Walter B. Eagle, Jr. also of the Sault in 1950. Early in their marriage they lived for a short time in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shortly after the birth of their first daughter, they permanently moved back home to Sault Michigan, residing on Ridge Road, where they raised their five children.
While raising her children she also worked outside the home. She retired in 1991 after a long career with the Sault Area Schools as the school secretary for the Junior High. She enjoyed her work and developed lifetime friendships. After retiring, Verna and Walter enjoyed being snowbirds, traveling to Zephyrhills Florida for 17 years. She enjoyed walking, playing cards, visiting with friends, and exploring Florida. In retirement for a few years, she served as secretary of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP). She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church. Her hobbies included gardening, canning, and reading. She enjoyed life and being outdoors, camping in the summer with friends and family. In the winter she enjoyed snowmobiling with friends and cross-country skiing in the fields around Ridge Road making new paths through the fresh snow.
She made the best rhubarb strawberry jam which all her children and grandchildren were excited to receive as gifts. Most of all, Verna loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Verna is survived by her children, Kathy (Jerry) Albrough of Brimley, Michigan, Irene (Steve) Randall of Bremerton, Washington, Glenn Eagle of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Jennie Lorendo of Laughlin, Nevada, and Waneta (Edward) Parmenter of Old Monroe, Missouri; 12 Grandchildren, John and Chris Albrough, Jaime (Parmenter) Meyer, James Lorendo, Jeremy Randall, Jenny (Albrough) Burley, Andy Parmenter, Janelle (Randall) Kroner, Gina (Lorendo) Ilges, Jonathan, Alec and Bernie Eagle; 15 Great Grandchildren, Veronika, Kyle, Natalie, Savannah and Garrett Albrough, Preston and Addison Burley, Isaac Kroner, Joseph Mannel, Lindsey Ilges, Katherine, Emily and Rachel Meyer, Tessa and Logan Parmenter; sister, Marion Zoppa; brothers, Roy, Stan, and Keith Bumstead; sister-laws, Anna Bumstead, Waneta Graham and Betty Eagle; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Verna was preceded in death by parents, Seymour and Annie (McGruther) Bumstead; husband, Walter; brothers, Donald and Mervin Bumstead; son-in-law, Donald Lorendo; and daughter-In-Law, Peggy (Ziaja) Eagle.
Visitation will be held on August 12, 2022 at Galer Funeral Home, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, Michigan 49774, from 10:00 A.M to noon with the Funeral Service to follow at noon with Pastor Rod Case officiating. Final resting place will be Oaklawn Chapel Gardens Cemetery, M 129 Sault Ste. Marie Michigan. The family request's memorials in memory of Verna be made to, Merlin Home, Superior Health Support Systems Inc., 2956 Ashmun St. Suite 139 Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. Clark Hovie Galer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
