April 20, 1920 – January 7, 2018
Peacefully in her 98th year, Velma passed away after a long, full life surrounded by family. Born in Malta, Montana, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she met the love of her life Napoleon. They moved to Royal Oak, Michigan where they raised their family, and eventually enjoyed a wonderful retirement in St. Joseph, Ontario. They loved to entertain family and friends at their home on Lake Huron. She loved visiting, regaling stories of days gone by, and cards of course. Her smile was infectious, and her words always spoken so softly and sincere as they were sure to warm the heart.
Velma is survived by her three sons, Richard and Judy, Michael and Laura, and Robert, her grandchildren David, James (Mandy), Nicole (Greg), Steven (Christine), Renee, Suzann, Sydney and Mitchell, her great-grandchildren Hannah, Rebecca, Kelsey, Jack, Ashley and Chad, and her brother Harold (Del) Weeres. She joins her husband Napoleon, her sister Grace, her brothers Mervin and Merle, her daughter-in-law Joann and her great-grandson Michael in eternal rest.
Velma touched the lives of so many people over the years. Her involvement in preserving the history of St. Joseph was unwavering. She held a strong devotion to Saint Andre’ and was deeply rooted in her faith. It would be difficult to find anyone in St. Joseph today who doesn’t hold a fond memory of this wonderful, caring and classy woman.
Velma was a warm inspiration to so many people, both family and friends. We will continue to cherish these memories and count ourselves lucky to have known and loved her. May she rest in peace knowing the profound and positive influence she had on so many lives.
JMJ, St. Andre’, pray for us
Friends may call at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 73334 Bluewater Highway, Zurich (St. Joseph), on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 10 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass which will be held at 11 AM. Father Matthew George, presiding. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery, St. Joseph.
Donations to St Andre’s Garden Project through St. Peter’s Church would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jackson Family
We would like to express our deepest sympathy. May all your good memories out weigh your sadness during this difficult time.
Isaiah 25:8
Eugene and Linda Webber
To Velma’s family:
We met Velma while playing cards at Maplewoods..She was soft spoken, but a lot of laughs where shared as well. What a beautiful human being. RIP Velma
Jeanette Masse
It was truly a pleasure to have known Velma for the past 5 years. She loved life and especially loved her cards. Velma always had a smile on her face whenever I saw her and always had an interesting story to share. My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Mary Helen Prentice
Dearest Aunt Velma,
This is my final letter to you and it is addressed to Heaven. Thank you for being such a great role model for me. You were an excellent wife, a loving mother, and a wonderful grandmother. You were such a generous godmother, always remembering my birthday with something that made me feel happy and cherished. You were a beloved child of god with your strong Christian faith. You will be sadly missed but always remembered lovingly by all of us who knew you. Thank you for being so special.
Love,
Mary Helen (Ducharme) Prentice
Bill and I, and our families send our deepest sympathies to Richard, Michael, Robert, and families.
Kathy Simpson
I had the pleasure of calling Velma my friend while she lived in Zurich Assisted Living apartment #7, I work for onecare and was Velma’s home care assistant for a year and a half. She loved her family and told me many stories about her years in St. Joseph. Velma always appreciated everything that was done for her, I will miss her and send my sincere condolences to her loved ones.
Linda Millar
My sincerest sympathies to all of Velma’s family.
It was an honour to care for her in her final days while in hospital.
I would have liked to attend the funeral, but I am away with family for sports.
Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Rest In Everlasting Peace Velma…..
Respectfully
Linda Millar