SOUTH PARIS — Velma Jaaranen, 83, of Norway passed away on Tuesday, June 19, at the Maine Veterans’ Home.

She was born Feb. 7, 1929, in the Dr. Packard House on High Street in West Paris, the daughter of Leon and Reta Ryerson Proctor. Velma attended West Paris High School, where she played trumpet in the orchestra.

After graduation, she attended the North-Eastern Business College in Portland. She was then employed by Southworth Machine Co. in Westbrook, Lawyer Ted Kurtz, at Berman Law Offices, and later for The Verrill and Dana Law Offices in Portland.

Capt. Veikko (Oz) Jaaranen and Velma were married on July 25, 1969. They made their home in the Portland-Cape Elizabeth area until his retirement. After that they spent their winters in Englewood, Fla., and summers in Norway.

Velma was a sorority sister in Beta Sigma Phi in Portland. Her passion was dancing, was a talented seamstress. Through the years, she collected antiques and other things of interest. She belonged to the Norway-Paris Knitters Guild and liked knitting with friends.

Velma was a member of the West Paris Universalist Church and the Goodwill Fellowship ladies of the church. She also was a member of the West Paris Alumni Association and enjoyed their annual reunions.

Velma is survived by her husband; a daughter, Jane Carpenter of Saranac Lake, N.Y., and her daughters, Sarah, Krissa and Trisha; a son, William Edward Carpenter III and his companion, of Greene, and his children, Chandel Rose, William Edward IV, John, Jessie and Michael; two dedicated sisters, Phyllis Prince of Auburn and Eleanor Inman and her husband, Milton, of Greenwood; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her special brother, Ivan Proctor.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

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