Veronika Franziska King     

 December 14, 1936 – January 23, 2026  

   Veronika Franziska King (Maurer) was born on December 14, 1936, in Contwig, Germany to Maria (Freyer) and Valentin Maurer. Veronika passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 in Grand View Manor, Berwick, NS. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, predeceased by her brothers Albert, Willie, Hugo, and Alfred, and her sister Gisela.   

   A child of World War II, Veronika often reflected on those early years with gratitude and perspective. She spoke of the fear and uncertainty of the time, but also of the kindness she witnessed remembering how Allied forces, including Canadians, dropped food packages that helped sustain families like hers. Years later, she would smile at the irony that she would one day fall in love with, and marry, a Canadian.   

   In 1958, Veronika married her true love, Silas King, a humble young Canadian and member of the Royal Canadian Air Force. Despite sharing little common language at the time, they dreamed of building a life together and that they did. Veronika moved to Canada in 1959, knowing very little English, and taught herself the language by watching soap operas on television. She embraced her new country wholeheartedly, learning its customs and culture and becoming deeply proud to call Canada home.   

   In 1969, Silas and Veronika were posted to Greenwood, Nova Scotia, where they settled permanently. Together they built their home on Hall Road where they raised their three daughters and Veronika would reside until 2022. During these years, she became a Canadian citizen, learned to drive, and began working at The Metropolitan Store. Becoming a Canadian citizen was one of her proudest accomplishments.   

   Veronika was a faithful and devout Catholic, a parishioner of Queen of Heaven Chapel, and a dedicated member of the Catholic Women's League for more than 50 years. Giving back was simply part of who she was. She organized meals for church events, fried fish at the Port George Jamboree, knitted hats and mittens for newborns, made quilts for her children and grandchildren, and lovingly crafted her famous socks which are worn proudly by family members and their friends near and far.   

   After the loss of her husband far too early, Veronika moved forward with strength, pride, and fierce independence. She shared a close friendship with Gracjan Burkiciak, traveling across Canada and Europe and embracing adventure along the way. Strong, direct, and unapologetically herself, she was a force to be reckoned with, yet her love for her family was never in doubt. Known as Oma or by many as "The Nana," especially to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their friends, she was a steady, loving presence whose warmth and humour will be deeply missed.   

   Veronika is survived by her daughters: Barbara (Abaad) of Fairfax, Virginia; Diana (Garnet) of Wilmot, Nova Scotia; and Deborah (Martin) of Kirchberg, Switzerland. She was a proud grandmother to Alexander (Stella), Lukas, Trevor (Laura), Erin (Kelia) who was like a 4th daughter to her, Mitchell (Carissa), Rebeka (Phil), Leo, Norah and a cherished great-grandmother to Logan, Violet, Brooklynn, Jasper, Jacob, Noah, and Rhett.   

   Her German heritage enriched the lives of all who knew her, filling her home with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable memories. Veronika's legacy lives on through the family she loved so fiercely and the countless lives she touched through her quiet acts of kindness.   

   A special thank you to the staff at Grace Haven for all the wonderful care they provided Veronika during her years there.

    A service celebrating Veronika’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, in Queen of Heaven Chapel, 14 Wing Greenwood, where family and friends can gather to remember her and the life she lived so fully. Fr. Magnus Chilaka officiating. Private family interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Kingston. A reception and slideshow will follow in the Annex. In lieu of flowers, donations in Veronika’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. 

   Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com