Verna Grace Mitoraj

Verna Grace Shaft Mitoraj, age 90, a resident of Nashville, passed away Wednesday evening, March 20, 2019 at Alive Hospice.

Born on August 14, 1928 in Taymouth Township, Michigan, Verna was the daughter of the late Vernon Shaft and the late Grace Becker. She was the business owner of Village Wallcovering and Paint in Flushing, Michigan for many years and was well-loved in the Flushing community. She was a Master Gardener and loved all things gardening, especially the preservation of trees. She was a volunteer at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Art Museum for two-and-a-half years when she first moved to Nashville. Verna was a very avid reader and was active volunteering at her local library. She also was a member of the YMCA and was active with the 50 Forward group where she met many friends. Verna was an excellent Bridge player which was her main hobby in the last several years; sometimes playing up to three times a week. She even played at the Competitive level and hosted a weekly bridge group in her home. Verna leaves behind many bridge comrades whom she enjoyed getting to know and had great respect for. Verna’s travels also took her to Italy, France, Jerusalem, and Hawaii. A sports lover, Verna enjoyed watching golf and college basketball. She also loved baseball and followed a few teams both at the collegiate and professional level. She especially favored certain pitchers and she would follow them throughout their careers. The Little League World Series also would captivate her as she enjoyed watching the young players too. Verna was an excellent cook, enjoyed writing and receiving letters, and cultural activities such as symphony, theater and the arts. Her foremost favorite thing was visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought her great joy. She had strong political and moral beliefs and was devoted to God and Jesus Christ and her Country. Verna was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Godmother, aunt, sister, friend, and neighbor. She has touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her children: Sarah Ann Robinson of Nashville, Scott Matthew (Debra) Mitoraj of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister: Beverly (Pete) Klasa of California; grandchildren: Mikelle Ann (Monte) White of Flint Michigan, Nolan (Kristi) Robinson of Dixon, Missouri, Kyle (Valerie) Robinson of Humboldt, TN; great grandchildren: Dash Daniel Robinson, Ellis Norman Robinson, Eva Blaire Robinson; one great grandchild on the way in April, Baby Robinson; cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Donna Sage, Bonnie Jean Hicks and Doris Jackson.

There will be a memorial service in Verna’s honor in Michigan early summer. The immediate family will notify all friends and family of the arrangements. Heritage Funeral Home in Columbia, TN is assisting the family with arrangements.