January 21, 1920 - September 10, 2019
Velma passed away peacefully, just 4 months short of her 100th birthday, at Nicola Lodge in Port Coquitlam.
She was predeceased by her husband, Jack in 2011, her parents George (1957) and Arzella (1985) Murphy and siblings Pearl (2006), Gordon (1999) and George (1945). She is survived by her children John, Coleen and Valli (Axel) and will be missed by her grandchildren, Alex (Kimberley), Kirsten (Aaron), Kathryn (Bert), Garrett (Skye), Janice (Andrew) and Francheska (Jacob) and 8 . great grandchildren.
Born in Neville, Saskatchewan, she graduated from Royal Alexandra School of Nursing in Edmonton in 1944. Velma then moved to Quesnel where she nursed in the old Quesnel hospital and later for many years at the Avery Clinic. In 1947 she married Jack and soon welcomed John, Coleen and Valli. Velma and Jack raised their family in Quesnel before moving to Edmonton in 1977 where she finished her nursing career at the University Hospital. When she retired they moved to Aldergrove to be closer to family and enjoyed gardening, swimming, baking and volunteering with the Aldergrove United Church Women. Her last years were spent in Port Coquitlam (Mayfair and Nicola Lodge) where she was closer to her family. Special thanks to the caring staff at Mayfair and especially the Alouette Unit at Nicola Lodge for their compassionate care for the last 3 years. Also, many thanks to Barbara Radons, NP who ensured that her final months were comfortable. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Quesnel where her ashes will be placed next to Jack's. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Quesnel Community Foundation, Brenda Campbell Nursing Bursary.
A Legacy (from her Nursing yearbook)
I want to leave something behind that will impart,
Lingering thoughts of a helpful kind
In many a heart,
That life has possibilities,
And golden opportunities,
For all who make the most
Of these and do their part.