Velma CONLEY

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CONLEY: With deep sadness the family of Velma Elinor Conley of Brandon, announce that her death occurred on Monday, September 2, 2013 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Born August 7, 1928 in Lundar, Manitoba, Velma spent her early years in Lundar and then LaRiviere and attended North Star School. She met Dave and they lived in Brandon, and moved between Brandon and Alexander while raising their family. Velma worked in the service industry as a cook, bartender and waitress. She owned and operated the cafeteria at Burn’s meat. Mom loved gardening, berry picking, canning, cooking and baking – all of which always ended up benefiting her family. She loved to knit or crochet – a labor of love as she was usually making a scarf, slippers or mittens as a Christmas gift or a baby shawl for the newest addition to the family. Music and dancing brought much joy to her life and she would teach anyone who wanted to learn. She played a variety of instruments… all of them by ear. This was a wonderful asset at family gatherings! She took any opportunity to travel with her family and was a perfect traveling companion. Mom was happiest when surrounded by family – she gave us roots and wings and her unconditional love. Left to mourn Velma’s passing are: her daughter Lois Riley (Lorne) and their children Jennifer Riley, Martin Riley (Carissa); her daughter Linda Lee (Vern) and their children Kellen Lee (Erica), Karin Potter; her son Edward Conley and his children Doss (Colleen), David, O-Jay (Michelle), Zoe Hansford (Jeff); her son Cecil Conley (Marion) and their daughter Laci; her daughter Dayle Kristalovich (Cecil) and their children Dana (Curtis), Derek and granddaughter Sabrina. Velma is also survived by sixteen great-grandchildren; brothers Bill Roman (Georgie), Laverne Roman (Betty), Doug Roman (Bev), sister Mabel Martin, sisters-in-law Ada Roman, Gertie Hiebert as well as many nieces and nephews. In her 85 years she touched many lives and formed many friendships in Brandon, Alexander, Sandy Lake and Rivers Provincial Park. She was predeceased by her parents Bill and Rita Roman; husband Dave Conley; son Terry Conley; daughters Norma and Candace; brother Edwin Roman and sister Bev Hopkins. The Ceremony to Celebrate Velma’s Life was held at Trinity United Church on Friday, September 6, 2013. Joe Ball officiated. All Velma’s grandchildren were considered honorary urn bearers. Urn bearers were Cecil Conley and Edward Conley. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Donations in memory of Velma may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation #3, 824-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7 or to a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 14, 2013