The Mirror Newspapers Reflecting Life Along The Maumee River
BY NANCY GAGNET | MIRROR REPORTER — Verna Momber loves to wish others a happy birthday – especially her close friends and family.
Her daughter, Marsha Boris, said that her mother, now living with dementia, always made it a point to make others feel loved on their special day. It was her signature gesture – not only making sure that the birthday boy or girl received a card in the mail, but also calling to sing “Happy Birthday” over the phone.
“My mother loved music and she loved singing and she loved to wish her family and friends a happy birthday,” Marsha said. “That was one of the things that always touched me about her.”
On September 10, the people around Verna could extend well-wishes to her as she marked her 100th birthday. It was an important day for Verna’s family, even as she deals with her disease.
To celebrate the special occasion, fellow residents of Otterbein joined some of her family for cake. Several family members also took Verna out for a special lunch and Monclova Township trustees presented her family with a resolution in recognition of Verna’s 100th birthday.
Verna was born in Toledo and moved to Rossford in 1966. Since 2015, she has lived at Otterbein.
Throughout her life, Verna worked a variety of jobs – from waitressing to working in a bank and working at a bakery.
“She was very much a people person,” Marsha said. “She was always happy and very outgoing and very kind to people.”
Verna loved to read and always kept up with current events. She also loved a good soap opera and learning about medical information, and she was an animal lover. Verna’s longevity is credited to a good diet – as she always ate her fruits and vegetables.
In 1966, Verna married Charles Momber and became a stepmother to his three daughters. Charles passed away in 1982.
“She always said that was the happiest 16 years of her life – they really did love each other,” said Marsha.
Verna raised four children and three stepchildren, with whom she was very close. Her children include daughter and son Marsha Boris and Terry Pope and stepdaughter Charlene Anderson. Her children who have passed away include daughters Sharon Grames and Barbara Collins and stepdaughters Linda Gyori and Joanne Myers. She also has several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
“My mother was always very caring and loving. She would do anything for her children,” Marsha said. “She is the strongest woman I know, and I admire her.”
