Verna E. Borup passed away at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Verna was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on May 15, 1918, the daughter of Elsie E. (Coltrin) and David E. Wilson. She attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, and the University of Oregon in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from Pomona College in 1940 with a major in music and subsequently attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, Illinois.

Verna moved to Portland, OR in 1961, where she held positions with Tektronix and Northwest Natural Gas Company. In 1975 she married Edgar Borup, and the couple moved to Bellevue, WA in 1980.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband Edgar, and by her daughter from a previous marriage, Sharon (Foley) Goodrich. She is survived by three step-sons, Eric Borup, James Borup, and Peter Borup, grandchildren Daniel Borup and Linnea Borup Johnson, and great grandchildren Sophia and Jade.

Verna was an accomplished pianist. She and her violinist husband Edgar were active in the arts and music community in the Bellevue / Seattle area for many years. Music filled their lives, and they derived great enjoyment from giving and attending musical performances. Verna and Edgar were both members of and served as president of the Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside (PAFE). Verna was also a member of the Bellevue Women’s Club, the Eastside Music Festival Foundation board, and the Music Performance Group, where she gave annual recitals.

Verna resided at the Regency Newcastle retirement home in Newcastle, WA, where she made many friends and was an active member of the social community there. She enjoyed the company of friends and the challenges of playing bridge, pinochle, and solving jigsaw puzzles. Verna continued to play the piano throughout her life, giving her final recital at Regency Newcastle in 2017 at age 99.

Verna was an independent spirit who remained active and alert well into her 99th year. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many friends who loved and appreciated her.

Verna will be laid to rest at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oregon.