AUBURN — Velma Sylvester Becker, 88, a resident of Clover Manor for the past nine years, passed away Nov. 24.

Velma was born March 14, 1922, in Durham, the youngest of seven children, she was the daughter of Lyndon Sylvester and Edith Gould Sylvester. She attended schools in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1940.

She went on to The Boston School of Garment Cutting, Advance Design and Pattern Making at MIT in Cambridge, Mass., she also attended the Academy of Designing, New York, The Boston Industry Trade School of Design, Boston, and The Art Students’ League of New York.

Velma enjoyed a long career based on her knowledge of fiber. Early in her career, Velma was creating a stir in the fashion industry, designing sportswear and bathing suits for several nationally advertised lines.

In 1952, Velma joined Parallel Manufacturing Corp., as vice president in charge of Product Development for materials made of glass and plastic for the home furnishing and building trade.

For many years, Velma served as a free lance design consultant for furniture and material manufacturers. From 1966 to 1969, Velma was a Designer/Pattern Maker for McCall’s Needlework Design section.

She moved on to the American Thread Co. The position centered around three principal areas, Art Needlework Design Studio, Home Sewing Education Department and Consumer Products Division. Her last career change allowed Velma to show her creativity in a more personal way. She was consulting with many major fiber producers and manufacturers. It was also at this time that she wrote many craft books on latch hook, needlepoint, crewel, knitting, and even one to show how to crochet for left handers.

Velma married Adrian Becker on Nov. 25, 1959, and lived in Stamford, Conn., for many years. Adrian passed away July 20, 1992. Velma moved to Florida in 1995 and enjoyed the sunshine. She returned to Auburn, January 2001.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth and her husband, Col. George C. Benjamin; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ade; sister, Mildred Brown; and brothers, Lyndon, Lawrence, Roland and Charles Sylvester.

The family greatly appreciates the loving care given to Velma at Clover Manor and the support of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Becker family by visiting their guest book at www.crosmanfuneralhome.com.