Velma Silver April 15, 1940 - April 2, 2025

Velma passed away peacefully at Princess Court in Dryden on April 2nd, just shy of her 85th birthday.

She was predeceased by her parents Edna & Bill Silver, eldest Daughter Patti Skillen and second husband Mark Walton.

She is survived by: Daughter Pam (Brent), Son Martin (Pam), Grandchildren Melissa (Mike), Morgan & Liam Skillen, Great Granddaughter Halladay, Step Granddaughter Paige (Logan) and Step Great Grandchildren Beckham & Harper; Siblings Joyce Pilkey, Gail Braun & Ron (Barb) Silver, many special nieces & nephews, as well as her former spouse Pat Skillen (Anna).

Velma was born and lived most of her life in the Dryden area. She worked at the Dryden Mill, Dryden Nursery School, Skillen Realty, Sutcliffe Realty, Royal Lepage, and Austin & Austin Realty. She served two terms between the Township of Barclay and the City of Dryden Council and was on the Board of Directors for the Kenora Child & Family Services for 12 years.

At the age of 56, she completed a Social Services Worker Diploma and began working for the Dryden District Association of Community Living, while serving two more terms as an elected official on Dryden Council.

Velma enjoyed bowling and coaching Special Olympians and received an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for over 20 years of volunteering.

She was a multi-talented, determined Aries who raised three (sometimes challenging) children while employed outside the home. She valued an organized clean house, nature, home gardens to grow food and making home cooked meals or preserves which she created using just about anything. She looked forward to participating and showcasing her green thumb and baking talents at the Dryden Fall Fair. One rare but funny cooking failure happened when she accidentally used an unmarked package of Shake n Bake in a dessert crumble.  “Good grief” was her standard response when something went wrong, or she was exasperated, yet she handled any setbacks as a challenge and often with a sense of humour.

Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling abroad or making trips to a big city for shopping, shows, a bit of casino action or to visit family and friends. She selflessly juggled and supported the activities or others, hosted billets, family gatherings and volunteered with the Catholic Women’s League. She loved and championed the sense of community in Dryden and provided a home for many loved pets along the way as well.

Velma was curious and not afraid to try new things. At the age of 70, she fearlessly climbed to the top of Coba in Mexico and donned a wetsuit to swim with sea turtles.

Once Velma moved into Princess Court, she embraced the activities of that community within and enjoyed helping staff or other residents for as long as she was able.

Velma will be remembered as a kind, patient, soft spoke woman who liked helping others. She loved spending time with and sharing stories of her life with her Grandchildren. Her acceptance of others from all walks of life and relentless spirit will continue to aspire.

Much thanks and gratitude to the staff of Princess Court, friends and family who helped support and take care of Velma.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date, followed by interment at the Dryden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special Olympics Ontario, 65 Overlea Boulevard, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M4H 1P1 or to the Princess Court DECO, Box 953, Dryden, ON P8N 3E3