Velma Sahr

Velma B. Sahr, 100 of Shrewsbury died peacefully on Tuesday July 27, 2021 at the Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehab Center.  Born in Trees City LA, Velma was the daughter of the late Albert and Mary (Higginbotham) Barrilleaux and grew up in Louisiana where her father worked for an oil company, and her mother was a teacher.  During WWII, Velma lived in New Orleans and was employed as a clerk typist, stenographer, and interviewer at the New Orleans Port of Embarkation, where she met her husband of 43 years, the late Gordon Sahr who died in 1986.

After the war, Gordon and Velma moved to his hometown of Vermilion, OH, where she remained until her move to Massachusetts in 1989.  She lived for 20 years in Worcester and then in Sterling, Ma.  In 2009 she moved to Manor on the Hill Assisted Living in Leominster, Ma where she lived with her sister and dearest friend Bonnie Riggin until her passing in 2010.  In 2021, Velma moved to Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she could be close to family.

Velma is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Capman, and Bonnie’s husband Don Capman; Don’s brother Bruce Capman; great nephews, Blake Capman, Nicholas Capman and his wife Edilene; and great great nephew Vinny; and great great niece Melyssa.

Velma was a graduate of the Mt. Carmel Academy in Thibodeaux, LA, where her aunt, Sister Carmela served as a Nun, and her Uncle Father Joseph Higginbotham was a priest. Velma also was a graduate of Northwestern University in Natchitoches, LA.

Velma loved being a homemaker and was involved in various community/volunteer activities in Ohio, including her daughter’s Brownies/Girl Scout troop; Altar & Rosary Society at St. Mary’s Catholic Church; and College Club. In her later years she loved Scrabble and Jigsaw puzzles, and eventually just talking with people when those activities became difficult as she approached 100 years of age. 

Velma was a devoted mother and friend, giving time and attention to anyone who needed her.  She loved writing letters and notes to those far away and enjoyed writing poems for them as well.  She spent many years canning fruits and vegetables and sharing with friends and neighbors.  One of her great pleasures was having them enjoy her cooking and canning.  She was very kind, and visited the elderly neighbors, bring them food and flowers from her garden.  In her late years when she was unable to show her kindness in the same ways, she tried to be pleasant and appreciative of those caring for her.  She was deeply loved and will be missed.

Velma’s family would like to thank all the staff at the Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care and support, they are truly grateful.

Services for Velma will be held from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. Worcester, Ma 01605.  Calling hours will be held on Thursday July 29, 2021, from 4-7pm.  A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday August 4, 2021 at 11 am at St Mary Church 640 Main St. Shrewsbury, Ma 01545. Burial will be in her husband’s hometown in Ohio at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Velma’s memory to the Worcester County Food Bank 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or by going to www.foodbank.org

Please visit our guestbook page to leave a note of condolence for Velma's family.