Verna M. (Willis) Deshaies

Verna M Deshaies, 83, a longtime resident of Willowbrook Manor, Dryden, NY, passed away peacefully,
Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center.

Verna was born April 9, 1940, in Cornwall, Ontario, the daughter of the late John “Jack” and Evelyn
Willis. Verna is survived by her children Karen Ashley, Dryden, NY and Steven Matteo, Massena, NY and
her grandson Colyn Ashley and Fiance’ Jennifer Slosarik, Netcong, NJ. In addition to her parents, Verna
was predeceased in death by her husband Robert “Perp” Deshaies and her brother Stanley Willis.

Verna was a longtime employee of HSBC Bank and ultimately retired from there. She went on to be a
real estate agent for H&R Block, both in Massena, NY. After her husband’s death in 2009, Verna moved
to Dryden, NY to be closer to her grandson, daughter and family.

Verna loved every sport and enjoyed watching her grandson play many over the years. She especially
liked the NY Yankees and Syracuse Orange. She was an avid reader, crocheter and knitter, often to
donate some of her masterpieces to those in need. She loved her cat Garfield tremendously and spoiled
him rotten.

At her request there will be no calling hours. A service of celebration of her life will be held at 1 pm on
Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Dryden Veterans Memorial Home, 2272 Dryden Road, Dryden, NY
13053.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Tompkins County SPCA, 1640
Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or Food Net Meals on Wheels of Tompkins County, 2422 N.
Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

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