- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Velma U. Deppe
“A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” – John 13:34. Always inspired by the Lord, Velma’s love knew no bounds. The 7th of 17 children, from an early age she appreciated the value of family. Having helped care for such a large family, she would eventually share that warm compassion as a nurse. Originally she sought to support the war effort as part of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corp, she would eventually practice in Denver and later at Zurbrugg Hospital in Riverside. But, regardless of where she was, her nurturing side always remained constant. It wasn’t enough to simply help patients, she made it her goal to mentor and inspire young nurses to further their education and careers. And although she left nursing for a few years, it was only because nursing was a distant second to mothering. Even when she did return to nursing, she chose to work the night shift, just so she could spend the days with her children. rnIn 1952 Velma married John Deppe, and before his passing in 1993 their lives were blessed by their four children: John, William (Alicia), Edward (Karen) and Kaye Deppe. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren: Stephanie Wilkins, Lori Maeder (Joseph), Robert McManus, Melissa Deppe, Matthew Deppe, and John Deppe Jr.; 4 great-grandchildren: Keighly Wilkins, Anna Wilkins, Marissa Maeder, and Joseph Maeder and her siblings: Dora Unruh (Manno), Arvin Unruh (Delores), Florence Dearing (Les), Maurine Christensen (Glen), Thelma Gibson (R.L.) and Derald Unruh (Shirley).rnCome celebrate Velma’s 89 loving years (Apr. 28, 1921-Nov. 20, 2010) Sunday from 7-9 PM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside and Monday from 10 am at the First Baptist Church, 216 Sunset Rd., Willingboro, where the service will follow at 11. Interment will be on Tuesday 1 PM at Roselawn Cemetery, Berwick, PA.rnIn lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Moorestown Visiting Nurses & Hospice, 300 Harper Dr. Moorestown, NJ 08057 or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation PO Box 515 Northampton, MA 01061-0515.rn
6 Comments
Kaye, Bill, Ed, and John,rnYour mom was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you. You were blessed to have her as a mother.rnLove,rnSally
Crooks told me Monday about your mother, sorry for loss Kay, see you at work, Bob
John, Bill, Ed, and Kaye, I’m so sorry to hear about Mom. She really was one of the nicest and most caring women I’ve ever known. Always thoughtful and giving of herself to so many. And that great accent always made me smile as a kid (and still does to this day)! I will continue to remember her (and Dad) with great fondness often. Love and sympathy to all of you and to your families. Warmly, Bill Devine.
John, Bill, Ed, & KayenAunt Velma had a way of making everyone feel worthwhile and loved. Even though we didn’t get to see each other often, she always kept up with our lives and even the lives of our children.nWe have always talked about how obvious it was that you all loved your Mom. It was also very obvious how special she thought each of you were, and how much each of you had blessed her life.nShe was a wonderful person and we all will miss her. Please know you are in my prayers.nLovenMyra
Dearest Velma,rnI am always nervous meeting a client the first time, especially arriving very late due to getting lost! When I finally got to your home and we met, the look in your eyes told me I was under close scrutiny by a very intelligent woman and I was privileged to enjoy that look on occasion for many months to come. As often is the case our early conversations covered our backgrounds and family. What wonderful stories you shared about growing up in a large Mennonite family on a farm with many siblings. Watching you interact with your friends, children and grandchildren I marveled at your wisdom and strength; however that soon paled in comparison to those same qualities demonstrated by a young Mennonite girl leaving school after the eighth grade. Imagine the courage it took to move to a strange home for employment and deciding to finish High School at the age of 22! The rest is history, nursing school, marriage, working as a nurse and raising 4 beautiful kids. rnI know I am only one of many who have been inspired by you and strengthened by your faith. You opened your heart to me and listened with love. Although my time with you was short it was a lifetime of blessings and smiles whenever I think of you. rnLove and thankyou ? SandyrnrnKaye, John, Bill and Ed, rnThanks for giving me the opportunity to know and love your Mom. She will be with you always in spirit.rn
It was such a treasure to spend yesterday afternoon remembering all the fun times we have all had together. Velma was such a special person. She was loved by all and will be missed. Thinking of you all, Carol Anne