On Christmas Eve, 2 ½ weeks shy of her 105 Birthday, Velma went peacefully to her eternal rest. She was born in Nashua, to Everett and Jennie Morgan on January 10, 1919 at the old “Memorial Hospital”. Educated in Nashua, Milford & Hudson schools, she went back to school at age 50, commuting every day to Beacon Street in Boston, Massachusetts to Ritners’ School of Floral Design, graduating in 1969. She went on to work in her “dream job” as a floral designer at Snow’s Florist until her retirement. Previously, she was employed in the offices of J.F. McElwain Shoe Company and Sprague Electric, making the 1st circuit boards of the future! She was my Father’s “right hand Lady” along with her sister and brother-in-law in their joint Family Side Business, Philbrick & Baileys’ Greenhouses, growing/tending to plants, shrubbery & flowers grown. At Christmas, they were the only place that sold trees, home grown on my father’s tree farm in Springfield, NH, hand cut and brought down by my family to Nashua. Mom would help make/decorate all the handmade wreaths and pine bow roping to sell. Everyone in the city would come for years at Christmas to get ready for the Holidays. But first and foremost, her husband, children and family came first in her life, enjoying, camping, hiking, skiing and getting back to Nature and many happy time together!
She was an active member of the Arlington Street United Methodist Church, since the age of seventeen. Singing/music was always a big part of her life, singing al through her school years, in the church choir for 63 years and was an active member of the Nashua Symphony Choral Group performing in the community. Her strong faith saw her through many trials and tribulations in her life over the years and it remained so up until her passing.
A beautiful seamstress, making all her own clothes plus her daughters and granddaughters, along with doing upholstering, draperies. Her sewing machine was still roaring along with projects into her 90’s! Her embroidery, crewel work and quilting was to perfection. She also refinished furniture, early American painting and stenciling. The beautiful pieces she leaves behind will long be treasured by her family. The best cooks, she continued to do so for herself and others up until 97 years. Leftovers were never thrown away being made to taste even better the second time around.
Velma was an avid reader, loved to travel and loved to play games. She was a real “card shark” playing up till the last few years, enjoying many a rowdy game with family and friends! She kept active both in mind and body. She read her Bible daily up until her sight began to leave her.
She was predeceased by her second husband, Paul Hendrick, who shared 28 wonderful years with; a sister, Elizabeth Bailey Draper; two grandsons, Garrett Brouillard and Scott Carr; two nephews, Everett Bailey and Gary Bailey; and her beloved parents, Everett and Jennie Morgan.
Velma leaves behind two daughters, Diane Morrison of Hernando, FL, Jan Philbrick of Nashua, NH; two stepdaughters, Joan Beth Carr of Northbrook, IL and Peggy Ann Soucy of Ocala, FL; twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. Also a beloved sister-in-law, Phyllis Philbrick Wheatley of Abington, MA; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will a “Celebration of Life” at the Arlington Street United Methodist Church, 63 Arlington Street, Nashua on Saturday, January 20th at 10:30 a.m. Private burial will be at Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua directly after, for family, church family and close friends only. Donations may be made in her memory to the Arlington Street United Methodist Church, 63 Arlington St, Nashua, NH 03060 or to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua, NH 03064. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the Farwell Funeral Service, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.
