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Bracken, Vera
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Dates of existence
1909-2004
History
Vera Bracken (nee Ignatius), was born in Warner, Alberta on July 6, 1909. The family moved to Bow Island in 1910 to homestead. They were also in Oregon for three years, but returned to a location close to their original homestead. After receiving her schooling in Medicine Hat, Vera then trained as a teacher, taking on her first position in Prospy, in the Winnifred area. In 1942, she married L.C. Bracken. Vera helped to establish the George P. Vanier School for mentally handicapped children, in 1955. At age 55, Vera returned to school and received her Bachelor of Education degree, with Distinction. Vera retired from teaching in 1974, but continued to be very community minded and remained part of the teaching community. Vera continued to attend Teacher's Conventions out of "sheer enjoyment." She was known for making large contributions to the library, college scholarships, the Medicine Hat Community Foundation, and the News' Santa Claus Fund. She volunteered and canvassed for groups including the United Way, Hatterland Theatre, the Veiner Centre, CanSurmount, and The Canadian Mental Health Association. In 1998 the Medicine Hat College named their library the Vera Bracken Library, and in 2003 re-dedicated the new facility in her honour. Vera Bracken passed away on January 12, 2004 in Medicine Hat. There was no public funeral service. Out of respect for Mrs. Bracken's passing, flags were at half-mast in the city of Medicine Hat on January 15, 2004.
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