Peacefully at Victoria Campus of London Health Sciences Centre, on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, Velma Doreen Pavey (Hodgson) of Alvinston passed away after a brief illness in her 81st year. Velma was born July 4, 1936 in Romney Township. She met the love of her life, Ralph in 1952 and married him in 1956. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 8. They lived in Kenora until Ralph’s retirement. During their many years there, Velma had various roles and interest. The house was always open to friends and foster children. She welcomed them all as her own. Velma was an avid crafter and owned and operated 2 craft stores in Kenora. Velma loved baseball. She had a huge impact on boys minor baseball in Kenora. “Pony League” was one of her great accomplishments. You could always hear Velma yelling encouragement to players! She coached women’s baseball for years and was also a cub leader for many years. For many winters, Velma and Ralph travelled to Florida. She looked forward to seeing her “Southern Family” every year. She made her yearly sojourn until 2016. Velma leaves her husband Ralph and their children Steve (Kim), Gerry (Ray), Tammy (Darren), Fred, Rick (Nicole) and Roger (Mary). Velma will be missed by her grandchildren Trevor, Jennifer, Tyler, Mike, R.J., Ashley, Megan, Cody, Ricky, Travis, Taylor, Riley, Spencer, Chelsea, Lucas and Quinn and great grandchildren, Natalia, Hayden, Blaine, Cali, Emily and Junuh and two in the oven! She also leaves sisters Chris McCabe and Vivian Riedel and sister-in-law Edna (Mac) Grover and extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by her parents Howard and Margaret Hodgson and stepmother Phyllis Hodgson, her in-laws Leland and Irene Pavey, her son Mike (Kim), brother Ron (Carol) and brother-in-law Ray (late Kay) and sister-in-law Diane Redick (late Bill). As per Velma’s wishes cremation has taken place and her family will celebrate her life at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to doctors, nurses and staff of Victoria Campus of London Health Sciences Centre.
