Velma Eileen Connelly

Velma Connelly

On Thursday, September 23, 2021, Velma Connelly (nee Williams), of Deep River peacefully passed at her residence with family at her side at the age of 78 years.

Velma will be lovingly remembered by her husband Douglas Connelly, mother of Zena Nurse and her wife Patricia (Pa) Lemon of London, Ontario and the late Vanessa Nurse of Kingston, Ontario. Cherished grandmother of Ely and Tristin Lemon-Nurse. Predeceased by her parents Zena and Frederick Williams and stepfather William Donaldson of Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is also survived by cousins, other family members and many friends.

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Velma was raised and educated at Mount St. Vincent University where she earned a degree in administration. She moved up to Petawawa, Ontario for a short time and from there she moved with her two daughters to Deep River, Ontario. She had a long and successful career as a senior administrative assistant in Human resources at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.

Velma kept our home business on the straight and narrow by doing all the bookkeeping for 26 years. On the more pleasurable side Velma loved spending time with her family, travelling and playing golf. She golfed recreationally with some great ladies in woman’s competitive events and served as Ladies club captain at the Deep River Golf Club. Following along with the golf theme she was a prime Northern Credit Union in Deep River delegate that successfully organized the Northern Charity Golf Tournament for at least 15 years to raise funds for the Deep River and District Hospital Foundation. Her family and friends considered her to be funny, kind, generous and very organized. She was always thinking about others before herself and always had a big, bright smile and laugh that was contagious to anyone around her. Also, she loved spoiling her two grandsons at any opportunity she had.

Doug and the family would like to thank everyone who helped to bring a smile to her face in her life. We would also like to thank the North Renfrew Family Health Team, Bayshore Home HealthCare Team, the Deep River Hospital and the Ottawa General Hospital Cancer Centre (TOHCC) for their excellent assistance and support.

Respecting Velma’s request cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place later in Deep River.

In memoriam donations to the Deep River and District Hospital Foundation attn: Chris Doucette, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure https://bndfr.com/Qs285 would be gratefully appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Valley Funeral Home, Deep River.