Velma Lillian Graves

Velma Lillian Graves, 86, of Waters Edge, Port Kent, N.Y. died peacefully Friday, February 26, 2016 at Pine Harbour Assisted Living in Plattsburgh, following a long and wonderful life. She was born in Burlington, Vermont June 27, 1929, son of the late Charles Bradley Wright and Evelyn (Heald) Wright. She leaves behind one very proud son Brad Graves and his wife Mary Ellen of Plattsburg, N.Y., an adoring daughter Wynne Graves-Moody and her husband Tim of Lee, N.H., and five wonderful grandchildren Nathan Graves, Colby Graves and Abby Graves all of Plattsburgh; Ivy Moody of Washington, D.C., and Paige Moody of St. Paul, MN and a very special niece, Cynthia Shortell and her husband Jim of Vermontville, N.Y. Velma treasured relationships with each of her grandchildren and was so proud of their accomplishments and many endeavors. She was predeceased by her husband Oril Graves, a sister Sue Childress and a brother Robert Wright. Velma graduated from Plattsburgh High School. She worked for Bell Telephone Company before marrying her high school sweetheart, Oril, and moving to Washington, D.C. Upon Oril's graduation from Catholic University they moved to Philadelphia, Pa. and on to Ringwood, NJ. In Ringwood she was a homemaker and operated a successful ceramic business. Velma enjoyed sharing her love of ceramics with children and adults alike. Velma was a dedicated member of her communities involving herself in PTA, and many other location organizations. Upon retirement, Velma and Oril built their permanent dream home on the camp lot where they had spent many summers. Their camp on Lake Champlain was the place where friends and family would gather to enjoy each other, and the beautiful lake. Velma and Oril cultivated a home for all where fun never stopped and the loving hospitality overflowed. A beautiful home filled with memories of wonderful holidays, endless summer days, and open arms. Throughout their retirement they traveled the Northeast enjoying their grandchildren's plays, dance recitals, soccer games, hockey tournaments, and countless other events. Velma and Oril loved to sit for hours visiting with their grandchildren, hearing tales of their adventures. Velma committed herself to sharing her love of sewing and quilting with the next generations. Velma and Oril were married for 61 amazing years, leaving behind an outstanding example of a loving and kind marriage of true love for their children, and grandchildren. Calling hours will be Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. David Sullivan officiating. Interment will take place Friday, May 6, 2016 at St. John's Cemetery, Keeseville, New York following a memorial mass which will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, Keeseville, New York. Velma's family extends their gratitude to Pine Harbour for the friendship, community, hospitality and wonderful care that was provided to Velma. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Velma's memory may be made to Hospice of the North Country, who, were so kind to Velma. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12901. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.