Velma Irene Neill
January 24, 1935 – June 10, 2021
In loving memory of Velma Irene Neill, age 86 years, who passed away peacefully at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on June 10, 2021 after a short illness.
Velma was born in Dryden and grew up on the family farm north of Dryden. After attending Cairnbrogie School, Dryden High School and North Bay Normal School, Velma began her teaching career in Dryden. Her profession soon took her to Wabigoon where she spent the rest of her thirty-seven years in the classroom. Velma retired in 1990 and enjoyed thirty-one years of retirement. Velma and Mervin spent many happy years camping in the area and eventually, permanently at Merkel’s Camp.
Not one to sit idle, Velma volunteered her time with the Wabigoon Local Services Board, Friendly Circle of Wabigoon Women, St. John’s Anglican Church, St. Luke’s Anglican Church, and Dryden Go-Getters Activity Center.
Velma is survived by her daughter Dorothy (Larry Meadows), granddaughter Lia Boudreau (Allen McElheron), grandson Neill Boudreau (Tara Ryan), and great-granddaughter Isla McElheron, brothers Russell (Von) Morton, Earle (Chris) Morton, and sister Jean (Bill) Latimer, sister-in-law Marilyn Morton and brother-in-law David Neill and their families. She is also survived by many other relatives and close friends. Velma was preceded in death by her husband Mervin, son Jim, parents Walter and Greta Morton, brothers Herbert and Everett, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Morton and Betty Neill.
Velma loved her family, her friends and the camaraderie and gratification found in giving her time to better her community.
Her family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Dryden Regional Health Centre for their care and concern for Velma during her final weeks, and to those who sent cards, flowers and well wishes during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke’s Anglican Church or the Dryden Go-Getters Activity Center through the Stevens Funeral Homes P.O. Box 412, Dryden ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted on Stevens Funeral Homes Facebook page or at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca.
