Obituary of Velma May Abildgaard

November 28, 1924 – Perdue, Saskatchewan

January 4, 2022 – Calgary Alberta

Velma Abildgaard, beloved wife of the late Verner E. Abildgaard, of Calgary AB, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the age of 97 years.

Velma was born in Perdue, Saskatchewan on November 28, 1924. She went to Ottawa for her first job in the tax department, and later married Verne Abildgaard. They were stationed in Europe and in northern B.C. Verne passed away suddenly 40 years ago.

In the late 70s, Velma joined a group to provide a service dispensing current information on breeding, buying, and training purebred dogs. Velma answered the phone, and she also handled the questions before and during the Alberta Kennel Club shows. She dealt with problems, also read the judging schedule to interested spectators. She had a ‘raspy voice’. When people met Velma, they would connect her voice to the CADF/AKC phone. During the night that the tornado hit southeast Edmonton years ago, Velma went down to Shouldice (the AKC dog show) and contacted people who had friends and relatives hit by the storm. Her last dogs were two Papillons, Cash and Zilton. She showed them in conformation and obedience. She loved to watch curling and knew the professional curlers like family.

Velma is survived by Verne’s niece Marlene Gris, and nephews Ron Reid and Chris Reid.

Cremation has already taken place. A Private Graveside Service will take place at Queens Park Cemetery at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Velma Abildgaard, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.