Obituary of Velma Catherine Ann Silliker-Martin

The death of Velma Catherine Ann Silliker-Martin, wife of Eldon (Al) Martin occurred on March 24, 2015, after a 2 year battle with Alzheimer’s. She was 78, born in Barnettville, NB on May 25,1936, only daughter of the late Basil & Melvina (Jardine) Underhill. She is survived by her 4 children, Cathy (Tommy) McKinney, Sue Silliker, Randy (Janette) Silliker, Karen (Randy) Sanford all of Saint John, NB. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Derek (YoungGin), Kristen (Nick), Leah (Mark), Jeff (Allyson) and Meghan as well as 3 great grandchildren Logan, Lily and Sophia. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as her step sister Dorval Giberson of Miramichi, NB; Sister in law MarleneUnderhill. She was predeceased by her first husband Donald Silliker, her son Jeffrey Silliker and her 2 brothers, Omer Underhill, Derby Junction, NB and John Merton Underhill, Enfield, NS. She is also survived by her husband’s children, Wade (Brenda) Martin, North Oxford, Mass, Brenda (Richard) Belmonte, Grafton, NH, Angela Watson, Medford, Mass and Deborah (David) Morgan New Port Richey, Fl. Velma graduated from Harkins Vocational School in Miramichi, NB. She was employed at Saint John Shipbuilding in the First aid room. Velma was a member of the All Saint’s Anglican Church in Saint John where she also loved to sing in the choir. Mom dedicated most of her life to service in the community. She was a member of the Branch 53 Legion Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the Lioness Club, and worked with the Red Cross as a volunteer. She also volunteered with the Hospital She loved her big family and love to cooked whatever meal they requested. She also loved to bake and always had some goodies for the grandkids. Bingo was also something she enjoyed and if she wasn’t playing, she was volunteering at one. She played a pretty good game of crib as well occasionally beating her husband Al. Mom was a Snowbird and loved to travel to Florida to get away from the NB winters. Mom was a big knitter and was always making socks. Mom loved to travel with her Red Hat’s Society Ladies on bus trips to many places. She loved to bowl and bowled in a few leagues. She loved helping people in any way that she could. She had a love of life that she led with a calm and quiet grace. We will miss the matriarch of our big family. A special thanks for all the staff and volunteers at Loch Lomond Village Cedar House for taking good care of our mother. A special thanks to our step dad, Al for taking such good care of our mother. We all love you very much. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home (634-7424), 111 Paradise Row, Saint John on Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm, with a service at 6:30 pm at Brenan’s on Saturday, there will also be visiting on March 29, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Bell’s Funeral Home, Miramichi. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 30 at 11 am, from St. Peter’s Anglican Church. Interment will take place in St. Peter’s Anglican Cemetery in the spring Donations in memory of Velma’s, may be made to Loch Lomond Villa Foundation, www. lochlomondvilla.com or a charity of the donor’s choice.