Debert, NS
May 20, 2024
Velma Lillian (White) Kennedy – 82, Debert. Beloved wife, mother and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Shannex Debert Court, following a lengthy battle with brain cancer.
Born in White’s Settlement, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Lillian (Gorman) White, and along with her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Ted (Delmer) White and sister, Ivy "Dolly" Lowe.
Velma is survived by her loving husband, Ken (Erwin) Kennedy; son, Gregory (Cindy) Kennedy; daughter, Pamela Kennedy; cherished grandchildren, Sarah Kennedy, Michael Kennedy, Olivia Kennedy.
Velma’s love story with Ken was one worthy of a novel. The stylish young teacher meets the handsome young soldier in July 1965, and married in October of that same year. They soon began their adventures, living in and travelling in Europe, returning to Canada to raise their two children. They continued their love of travel until Velma became ill in 2022.
Velma was an admired and influential teacher since the age of eighteen. She always said she loved every day in the classroom. Her memory of the former students was impeccable. She always kept track of who played on what hockey team or who graduated from what school, etc.
Velma loved Jesus. She was a loyal member of Debert Baptist Church and completed the Lay Pastor certificate from Acadia University. She and Ken, and their dear friend Andrew King, volunteered as nursing home chaplains and performed "country gospel" in their group Higher Ground.
Daughter Pamela sat with and held her hand as Vince Gill sang, "Go Rest High On That Mountain". She had a remarkable life that was full of adventures and stories, and she touched many lives.
The family would like to give special "thank you" to the VON and to the incredible staff at Debert Court; the level of care and compassion from the caregivers at Debert Court is unequalled. The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to the medical teams in Toronto and their exemplary care and professionalism; these include Toronto Western Hospital, EW Bickle Centre and Princess Margaret Hospital and Cancer Centre.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Velma’s family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Debert Baptist Church, 1273 Plains Road, Debert, Pastor Steve Adams officiating. Reception will follow.
Interment in Middle Road Cemetery.
If so desired, donations in Velma’s memory to Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (www.thepmcf.ca) are welcomed.
Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
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