STAFFORD SPRINGS, Conn. – Velma E. Freeman, 99, of Stafford Springs, Conn., and a longtime resident of Rumford, passed away Thursday, Feb. 14, at Evergreen Health Care Center.

She was born April 24, 1908, in Rumford, daughter of the late Warren Carlos and Ella (Rich) Bellows. She was an accomplished woodworker, quilter, decorative painter and enjoyed many other hobbies. She will always be remembered for her helping hand and pleasant smile.

She is survived by her daughters, Elaine Parmenter of Middletown, Conn., and Jeannie Crowley and her husband, John, of Stafford, Conn.; daughter-in-law, Dorothy Wing of Rumford; stepson, William Freeman of Mexico; stepdaughter, Jeanne Graham of Andover; the pride of her life were her 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a nephew, Warren Meisner of East Hartford, Conn.; a cousin, Earl Bellows of Seattle Wash.; several other nieces and nephews; special friends, Arlene Beaupre, and the Girard family of Stafford, Conn; and her many friends at Evergreen Health Care Center.

She was predeceased by her husbands; her two children, James “Mel” Wing and Glenice Hickson; and her son-in-law, Donald Parmenter.

The family would like to thank Dr. Darshan Shah and the staff of Evergreen Health Care Center for the wonderful care they provided.