Obituary of Velma Lynne Adams

August 6, 1945 - Regina, Saskatchewan

January 22, 2024 - Canmore, Alberta

Velma, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, great aunt, stepmother, step-grandmother and step-great-grandmother passed away in Canmore, AB at the age of 78 years. She was predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Paul. She is survived by her son Stephen (Athena) Adams, her sister Sharon (Smith) Treppel, her brother Roy (Sherry), nieces, nephews, grand and great-grandnieces and nephews; stepchildren, Marc Adams, Rochelle (Donald) Adams, Robert (Stephanie) Adams; step-grandchildren, Chris (Sharlie) Adams, Alesha Adams, Sydney Macdonald, Camryn Macdonald, Jordan Adams; and step-great-grandchildren, Sterling Adams and Blake Adams.

Velma was born and raised in Regina, SK. Once she completed high school, Velma decided to pursue a career in nursing and was accepted to the Regina General Hospital Nursing School. Velma was part of the Class of 1966 Nursing students (aka RGH class of ’66), a tightknit group of women that have maintained a strong and supportive community for over 60 years.

Paul encouraged and supported Velma when she set her mind on continuing her nursing education, and in 1987, Velma earned her Master of Nursing degree. Fun Fact: people thought that they were coming to celebrate this milestone, when a surprise wedding between Paul and Velma was held the same day.

She loved reading and puzzles, particularly crosswords and sudoku; unsurprisingly, her favorite books were clever mysteries. Prior to moving to the community of Lac Des Arc to partially retire, she had owned and operated the children’s bookstore, Treehouse in Calgary, for several years.

When Velma partially retired to the Bow Valley with her husband Paul in 1998, she revisited nursing, working part-time as a Public Health Nurse. Her most enjoyable duty as a Public Health Nurse was meeting the new babies born in the region.

The last several years after Paul’s passing were particularly challenging. Several health challenges, including battling a second cancer diagnosis, made the last two years particularly hard for Velma. She met these challenges as she always did, with steel will, determination, and a wry sense of humor.

A Celebration of Velma’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Adams’ service streamed live on the day of the service (see link below). For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Health Foundation, 1403 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, telephone: 403-943-0615, http://www.calgaryhealthfoundation.ca/; Alberta Diabetes Foundation, 1-020 Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1, telephone: 780.492.6537, https://www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com/; or the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB  T3B 6A8, telephone: (403) 955.8818, www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Velma’s family here.

In living memory of Velma Adams, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Velma's Celebration of Life