Verna Martin Kasper

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Ilion High School - 1976 Verna Martin Kasper
1958 - 2004

"Those who weave color

into our lives

leave us with a

tapestry of

beautiful memories."

Verna Martin Kasper, Class of 1976, age 46 of Gulf Breeze, Florida, died in Baptist Hospital of injuries suffered in a multiple automobile accident on Wednesday, July 28 in Gulf Breeze. A native of Marlboro, MA, she grew up in Ilion, NY before the family moved to Gulf Breeze in 1995. Her husband, Scott Paul Kasper, is employed by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Mrs. Kasper was billing supervisor at Seton Center of Sacred Heart Hospital.

Surviving are her husband, Scott Paul Kasper, Sr. and a son, Scott Paul Kasper, II of Gulf Breeze; two daughters, Michelle Ann Kasper, Houston, TX; Senior Airman Pamela Kasper Riley, USAF, and her husband, Senior Airman, Kody Riley USAF, both of Balad, Iraq, 729th Air Control Squadron; her parents, Roger and Theresa Martin, Ilion, NY and other relatives. She was a devoted member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze. Visitation will be at Rose Lawn Funeral Home, Gulf Breeze, 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, with a Rosary at 5:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be said Monday, August 2, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Gulf Breeze, at 11 a.m. A reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to The Cody Foundation, P. O. 1195, Gulf Breeze, FL 32562. (August 11, 2004)

Below is a poem I wrote as a tribute to my dear friend, Verna Martin Kasper
- I wanted to share it with those who knew and loved Verna the way I did:
(From Dotti Dauten Pohleven January 8, 2005)

OUR FRIEND

A Friend from youth is a special find
One you keep tucked forever in your mind
No matter where paths lead - far away or near -
you'll hold this friend forever dear
Our Friend was kind - a rare find she was.
Her smile was radiant - with affection galore -
the kind of warmth that covered you down to the floor
I especially remember her long line at Fay's Mall -
persons waiting and waiting for that small sampling of kindness she amply gave them all

In a world of darkness she gave a positive light
even in the darkest of night
Our Friend - she encouraged, and nurtured, she cared for us all
and although we can't see her we know she stands tall
We will always have Verna, Our Friend of our youth;
she stands far above us with graciousness and truth.
We know our friend was an angel here on earth
that was taken by God - He valued her worth

We know too, how desperate our days have become -
God needed Our Friend to help get things done
So when you feel lonely, troubled or stuck sadly at bay look to the heavens
and "I betcha" you'll hear Our Friend say,
"take care, I love you and have a good day!"

Dotti Dauten Pohleven (11/04)


When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
Another poem sent in memory of Verna by classmates

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
So I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought I was too young to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that all my work was through.
I thought of all our yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe then you’d smile.

I then walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past and here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, only today,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for yesterday.

As you have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So take my hand and share my life for all eternity!"
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

Anonymous


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