Velma Matias
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Velma Matias on March 12, 2023. With her family by her side, Velma was called to be with the angels.
Velma will be forever missed by her husband of 53 years, Edward Matias, her daughter Tina Matias-Bouchard and husband Bradley Bouchard, and her granddaughter Brooke Bouchard and husband Jose Borregales. She will also be dearly missed by her siblings Yvette Fedirchuk (Al), Lloyd Vermeylen (Patricia), Rose Gira (Ron), Elaine Paul (Alvin), Charles Vermeylen (Mabel), Mervin Vermeylen (Virginia), and Yvonne Stephanow, along with many nieces and nephews. Velma was predeceased by her parents, Clara (née Langan) and Louis Vermeylen.
Velma was born in Boggy Creek Manitoba and spent her childhood in San Clara, Manitoba and attended school in Roblin, Manitoba. At the age of 19, Velma moved to the ‘big city’, Winnipeg, where she eventually met her husband and they created a life for themselves that was deeply cherished by each other.
Velma was a stay-at-home mom for many years and eventually went to work outside the home starting at Mini Skool, then Wardrop and Associates, and eventually retiring from Wawanesa Insurance. Throughout this time, Velma also returned to school earning her Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of Manitoba.
Velma loved to go camping and summers were spent in campgrounds such as Blue Lakes, Rushing River, Madge Lake, all around the Whiteshell and eventually a seasonal site for many years at Hecla Island. She could start a fire, pick berries from the bush, and fill a pickerel rig. She also loved an intense game of 7’s and was known to slam her tiny fist on the table jubilantly as she was skunking the other team.
Velma didn’t care to travel too far from home but did make a few trips to Puerto Vallarta as well as Vegas. She also loved her ‘ding ding’ and enjoyed her outings to the casino with her husband.
Above all, Velma was so immensely proud of her granddaughter, Brooke, and spoke so proudly of every one of Brooke’s achievements. Velma would get so happy to have visits and facetime calls from her.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff of 5E at St. Boniface Hospital for their loving care during Velma’s final days.
Funeral mass will take place on March 20, 2023 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd, followed by internment at Assumption Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
Fly high with the angels. You are so loved. You will be forever missed.