Velma Jane Read

Obituary Velma Jane Read On the evening of August 23, 2015, at the age of 97, Velma peacefully passed away. Velma had successful and fulfilling working careers varying from a small arms manufacturing plant during the war to selling cosmetics to actively sitting on the board of trustees for AAA in Washington State. Leaving Manitoba in 1942, she eventually settled in the Seattle area as an American Citizen in 1955. She truly loved life in the Seattle area, enjoying the magnificent views of the Puget Sound, the beaches and of course the Mariners and the Seahawks. Velma loved to be active in mind and body; shortly after her 66th birthday she started another career with FEMA lasting an impressive 20 years. She was so proud of the work she did to support her country in times of need and loved every minute of it along with those that she worked with. She retired from FEMA in 2005. Velma is survived by her brother, Russell (Fiona) Jasper; nieces, Carolyn (Dale) Mackay, and Julie (Lawrence) Larson; and her great nephew, Jonathan (Tristan) Schindlbeck. She is fondly remembered by her many close friends including but not limited to Joyce, Lorna and June as well as by her extended family members Dale, Gale, Tracy and many others. Velma was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Christina Jane Jasper of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and by her former husband, Fred Read of Yakima, WA. Velma will be remembered as a wonderful lady who lived a full life. Gifts in Velma's memory can be made to the Women's Funding Alliance, 2101 Fourth Ave, Suite 1330, Seattle, WA 98121 (www.wfalliance.org). Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.