Obituary of Velda Mary Hodgeman
Velda Mary Hodgeman
Born in Jacquet River, NB, on March 17, 1941, Velda Mary Hodgeman passed away unexpectedly at the Charlotte County Hospital on January 4, 2025.
She was predeceased by her beloved partner, Jake MacDonald, as well as her parents, Albert and Marion Dempsey. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her sisters, Bernadine Furlotte and Donnadean Dempsey; her brothers, Jerry Dempsey and John "Phil" Dempsey; and Phil’s wife, Shirley Dempsey.
Velda is survived by her loving brothers Holten and Allister Dempsey, sisters, Delina Dempsey, Frances Hickman (Troy), Pauline Dempsey (Shawn Budd), Jeannie Terranova, and Wendy Graham.
She leaves behind her cherished children, Andrew "Andy" Hodgeman, Laurie Hodgeman, Cindy Hodgeman (Brian Cleghorn), Randall Hodgeman, along with her stepchildren Steve Hodgeman (Debbie) and Joanne Hodgeman.
Velda also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Tabatha Daigle (Tammy Faulkner), Mary Monique Gerrior, Tiffaney Daigle (Kathryn), Janet Goss (Neil), Jarret Daigle (Sarah), Adam Gerrior (Jessica), Stevie and Tanya Hodgeman, as well as Carrie Farlinger.
She was a proud great-grandmother to: Katelyn, Brittany, Aidan, Elizabeth, Emma, Gavin, George, Prestin, Luke, April, Vallery, Zoe, Taryn, Charlotte, Owen, and Henry. She will also be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, friend David Cleghorn and many more.
Velda was a woman of extraordinary strength and resilience. She raised her children in Toronto before relocating to St. Stephen in 1978, where she built a life centered around her family. Over the years, her home became the heart of a large and loving extended family.
In her younger days, Velda was a gifted bowler, earning numerous awards and even achieving nearly perfect games. She loved hosting large family gatherings, from BBQs to Christmas dinners and family reunions at her cherished and passionately decorated residence in Tower Hill, NB. Music was a special joy for Velda; she delighted in singing her favorite country classics by George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Conway Twitty with her siblings.
Velda’s storytelling was legendary. Whether reminiscing about good times or tough times, her tales were filled with humor and grit, often punctuated with colorful sarcasm about her fearless nature and quick wit. She was truly a force to be reckoned with and never one to back down from a challenge.
In her later years, Velda enjoyed playing games daily and had recently adopted a stray black cat. Her flair for fashion and undeniable confidence could rival any Hollywood starlet.
Velda will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. She was a shining example of strength, love, and resilience, leaving a legacy that will inspire her family for generations to come.
A memorial service in celebration of Velda's life will be held at a later date with time & date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers donations to the local homeless shelter at Neighbourhood Works, 59 Union Street, St. Stephen, NB, E3L 1T7 (1- 506 - 813 - 5959) On line condolences to the family or donations cane be made at www.humphreysfh.com
