Verna Courtemanche

COURTEMANCHE,Verna (Newman), retired mathematics teacher, community volunteer, and environmental activist, died January 1st, 2007 at the age of 88.  Verna taught math at Swartz Creek High School, Bendle High School, and Whittier Junior High School in Flint. During the 70's and 80's, she was well-known as 'The Dump Lady' due to her pioneering fight against the Berlin-Farro dump, federally designated as one of the top 10 Superfund dump sites in the country. Her struggle to save her neighborhood and rural way of life led her to coverage in National Geographic Magazine. A strong believer in volunteerism as a way to improve the world, Verna was active at the Swartz Creek Senior Center, was a board member of Happendace Professiional Dance Company (Lansing) for over 25 years, and was a frequent guest speaker at environmental workshops. She was also an active participant in Gaines Township politics. Verna loved birdwatching, opera, travel, gardening and fabric arts. She will be missed by her four surviving children: Charles E. Newman, Jr. (Flat Rock), Alfred L. Newman (California), Diane Newman (Lansing) and Lawrence R. Newman (Swartz Creek). Donations honoring her memory can be sent to the Swartz Creek Senior Center, 8095 Civic Drive, Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Tributes or condolences may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.