Velma des Rochers

Velma J. des Rochers, 77, of Crystal Lake, died Thursday , Feb. 25, 2010. She was born January 1, 1933 in Stewartsville, VA to Edna Lumsden. Her early years were spent in the care of her grandparents, and she graduated high school in Rocky Mount, VA. She also attended Nursing school for several years before her marriage to Edward M. des Rochers Jr., a mining engineer with U.S. Gypsum. They married on Feb. 28, 1954 in Bristol Va. After spending the first few years of marriage in Saltville, Va, they moved to the Chicago area and settled in Crystal Lake in 1968. Velma was a devoted and loving mother, enjoyed reading and book clubs, traveling the U.S. and abroad, and was an avid gardener. She also cherished spending time with her family and friends. Velma was generous with her resources, often supporting charities that touched her heart like homelessness, wildlife rescue, social justice, and veterans support to name a few. She is survived by her sons Edward "Rick" des Rochers III of Crystal Lake, David M. (Patricia) des Rochers of Muscatine, IA and Blair (Christine) des Rochers and their son Connor of Crystal Lake. She was preceded in death by her mother and her husband Edward of 56 years. Visitation for Velma will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2010 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte 176), Crystal Lake. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, March 1, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity or the World Wildlife Fund.

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