Obituary of Velma J. DeMerchant

Velma J. DeMerchant, 102 of Bradford, NY, the wife of the late Charles E. DeMerchant passed away at the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home in Penn Yan, NY on September 24, 2014. She was born on August 4, 1912 in California Settlement, New Brunswick, Canada to Gordon and Eliza Jane (Hamilton) Donovan. She lived in Bradford, NY from 1972 to 2008 and prior to that, she lived in Fort Fairfield, ME and Hartford, CT. Her happiest years were on a farm in Fort Fairfield. She was a much beloved matriarch, affectionately known as "Gram" by all who knew her. Velma was predeceased by her husband, Charles, as well as five brothers; Buel, Elmer, Lemual, Hayden and Gerald; a twin sister, Vera; sister, Alma; son, Philip Kenneson; daughter, Phyllis Kenneson Martin Edrick; step-son, Clayton (Rita) DeMerchant and granddaughter Gayle Marie Sleve. Velma is survived by step-daughter, Dorothy (Robert) Phair of Limestone, ME; step-son, Phillip (Marilyn) DeMerchant of Bullhead City, AZ; daughter-in-law, Joanne Kenneson; 22 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren; 23 great-great grandchildren (and one on the way); and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours for Gram will be on Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to noon at Fagan's Funeral Home, 31 West Morris Street, Bath, NY. Services will be held directly following calling hours at noon at Fagan's Funeral Home. Please bring anecdotes, stories, memories, and "Velisms" to share. Gram will be interred at the Bradford Cemetery, Bradford, NY. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to the activities fund at the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home, 655 North Liberty Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527. The staff at the Manor provided excellent and loving care for Gram since 2008.