Family and friends are mourning the sudden death of a beloved Richmond English teacher.
Verena Klose, 37, passed away March 27 in her sleep, said her husband Ramon, who tearfully recounted details about the woman he called the love of his life.
We met in Grade 11 (at Richmond Secondary school) and have been together 22 years, said Klose. This year was going to be our 10th wedding anniversary.
Klose said his wife had given birth to their second daughter, Lauren, on Feb. 22 and there were no complications following the scheduled C-section.
The couple has an older daughter, five-year-old Keira.
Klose said Verena went to bed with what was thought to be a bit of a cold. But the next morning he found she had passed away sometime during the night, possibly of a heart attack.
Klose said Verena taught in several local high schools, including Palmer, Steveston, and London.
In her youth she was involved in scouting and swimming for the Richmond Aquanauts. She worked at The Bay in Richmond Centre for many years, attended SFU and UBC, and after graduating taught in Richmond for the past 14 years.
On a Facebook memorial page students and staff offered their thoughts.
Throughout my high school years I never noticed the impact that a teacher like Ms. Klose could have on a student, wrote Brayden Cohen. Even though we didnt start on the right foot I always know her way of teaching, which was sometimes stern, but always had some humour, is going to be something I will always remember. My condolences to everyone touched by Verena.
I only knew Verena during my last year of high school, but she managed to make a significant impact on who Ive become over the past two years, wrote Madison McCord. She pushed me to become a better writer, and a better student. While I may not have appreciated it then, I would do anything to be able to say thank you to her one last time. Rest in peace, Miss Klose, you will always have a special place in my heart and my writing.
A funeral service for Verena Klose is set for Saturday April 6 at 1:30 p.m. at Richmond Funeral Home (8420 Cambie Rd.).
