Obituary for Velma June Henderson
Velma June Henderson (nee Estlund), 1936-2021
Velma was born to August Estlund, a Swedish immigrant and Christina Estlund (nee Sinclair) June 26th, 1936.
Velma was the youngest of 7 children: eldest sister Gladys, brothers George and Donald, sisters Dorthy, Mabel and Alphie. The family was separated in 1938, drought caused the collapse of the Estlund farm in West Bend Saskatchewan and Velma’s siblings were placed in the Foster Care system and eldest siblings headed west, seeking employment. Velma later located and reconnected with all her siblings.
Amanda Hannem, resident of West Bend, SK and neighbour to the Estlunds, rescued Velma from entering the Foster System and gave her the very best life on the farm. Amanda raised little Velma as one of her own in a loving family and she had fond memories of her childhood.
Velma attended school in West Bend and completed her high school education in Foam Lake, SK.
Velma had a passion for gardening and a love of animals was her therapy! She was very devoted and grateful to her Granny Hannem and her influence inspired Velma to care for many young families throughout her life. Velma was the most nurturing lady!
Velma had found love and a decade long courtship with Mackenzie Henderson finally became official. The couple married August 24th, 1974. Making their home in Foam Lake, they were eager to start their family and May 1st, 1975 a daughter Lisa was born but sadly passed at birth. Velma’s desire to be a Mother was all she ever wanted in life! She ignored physicians and said she would risk her life to have a child. At 42 years of age, Velma gave birth to Hali Amanda Henderson. Mackenzie would have preferred a boy but Hali quickly won his heart and transformed the baby girl in ruffles and ringlets into his shop sidekick.
Velma raised Hali and in her career she cared for 40+ children though the years as a childcare provider. She was in her glory and that filled her with pride!
Velma was a loyal friend to many and enjoyed playing cards and bingo. Coffee dates and telephone chats with the gals was part of her daily routine! She was active in her community of Foam Lake and enjoyed selling tickets and proudly supported community fundraising events. She was also a devoted Blue Jays fan with her T.V. cranked up and her bag of spitz cheering them on!
Velma was a very protective Mother and a bit skeptic when Mr. Brent Boyko swooped Hali off her feet in 1999 but quickly became his biggest fan and in 2008, she proudly walked daughter Hali down the aisle to marry Brent. In 2009, a grandchild was on the way but sadly Mac didn’t meet his first grandchild and he passed April 23rd. Kruze Mackenzie was born August 25th 2009 and following almost 3 years later May 29th another grandson Kallin Lennox was welcomed. Velma adored these little boys and when she received diagnosis of Dementia, children were the best medicine. She moved into the Boyko home, adjusting quickly and lived there for nearly 3 years, later moving into the Wallace House Anderson Village care home in Yorkton. Brent, Hali and the boys relocated to Greenwater Lake Saskatchewan and when Covid restrictions allowed, Velma was transferred to the Red Deer Nursing Home in Porcupine Plain so Hali could be by her side as Velma’s health was deteriorating from final stages of Dementia. In the early morning of March 28th 2021, Velma peacefully passed away.
Velma will be forever loved and remembered by her daughter Hali (Brent) Boyko, her grandsons Kruze and Kallin of Greenwater Lake Provincial Park Saskatchewan and many nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Foam Lake. Donations in memory of Velma may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society or to the Foam Lake Senior’s Centre.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Blair’s Funeral Home Ltd, Porcupine Plain, SK, 306-278-2202.
Velma was born to August Estlund, a Swedish immigrant and Christina Estlund (nee Sinclair) June 26th, 1936.
Velma was the youngest of 7 children: eldest sister Gladys, brothers George and Donald, sisters Dorthy, Mabel and Alphie. The family was separated in 1938, drought caused the collapse of the Estlund farm in West Bend Saskatchewan and Velma’s siblings were placed in the Foster Care system and eldest siblings headed west, seeking employment. Velma later located and reconnected with all her siblings.
Amanda Hannem, resident of West Bend, SK and neighbour to the Estlunds, rescued Velma from entering the Foster System and gave her the very best life on the farm. Amanda raised little Velma as one of her own in a loving family and she had fond memories of her childhood.
Velma attended school in West Bend and completed her high school education in Foam Lake, SK.
Velma had a passion for gardening and a love of animals was her therapy! She was very devoted and grateful to her Granny Hannem and her influence inspired Velma to care for many young families throughout her life. Velma was the most nurturing lady!
Velma had found love and a decade long courtship with Mackenzie Henderson finally became official. The couple married August 24th, 1974. Making their home in Foam Lake, they were eager to start their family and May 1st, 1975 a daughter Lisa was born but sadly passed at birth. Velma’s desire to be a Mother was all she ever wanted in life! She ignored physicians and said she would risk her life to have a child. At 42 years of age, Velma gave birth to Hali Amanda Henderson. Mackenzie would have preferred a boy but Hali quickly won his heart and transformed the baby girl in ruffles and ringlets into his shop sidekick.
Velma raised Hali and in her career she cared for 40+ children though the years as a childcare provider. She was in her glory and that filled her with pride!
Velma was a loyal friend to many and enjoyed playing cards and bingo. Coffee dates and telephone chats with the gals was part of her daily routine! She was active in her community of Foam Lake and enjoyed selling tickets and proudly supported community fundraising events. She was also a devoted Blue Jays fan with her T.V. cranked up and her bag of spitz cheering them on!
Velma was a very protective Mother and a bit skeptic when Mr. Brent Boyko swooped Hali off her feet in 1999 but quickly became his biggest fan and in 2008, she proudly walked daughter Hali down the aisle to marry Brent. In 2009, a grandchild was on the way but sadly Mac didn’t meet his first grandchild and he passed April 23rd. Kruze Mackenzie was born August 25th 2009 and following almost 3 years later May 29th another grandson Kallin Lennox was welcomed. Velma adored these little boys and when she received diagnosis of Dementia, children were the best medicine. She moved into the Boyko home, adjusting quickly and lived there for nearly 3 years, later moving into the Wallace House Anderson Village care home in Yorkton. Brent, Hali and the boys relocated to Greenwater Lake Saskatchewan and when Covid restrictions allowed, Velma was transferred to the Red Deer Nursing Home in Porcupine Plain so Hali could be by her side as Velma’s health was deteriorating from final stages of Dementia. In the early morning of March 28th 2021, Velma peacefully passed away.
Velma will be forever loved and remembered by her daughter Hali (Brent) Boyko, her grandsons Kruze and Kallin of Greenwater Lake Provincial Park Saskatchewan and many nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Foam Lake. Donations in memory of Velma may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Society or to the Foam Lake Senior’s Centre.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Blair’s Funeral Home Ltd, Porcupine Plain, SK, 306-278-2202.
