Shirley G. Veldman

VELDMAN, Shirley G. 3/21/1932 – 10/18/2017 Shirley was born March 21, 1932 in Ft. Calhoun, Nebraska to Bill and Grace Chase. She was the oldest of 5 children and was raised in Omaha, Nebraska. As a young girl, Shirley enjoyed roller-skating, basketball, dolls, and her baby sister. Her love for dolls and her sister never ended. Shirley graduated from North High School in 1949 and in 1954 married Richard L. Veldman. In a span of 13 years they had 8 children, 5 girls and 3 boys. Shirley was a woman of many talents, raising 8 children, she had to be. In addition to traditional homemaking, she sewed, knitted, and crocheted. When money was sparse, she made coats, shirts, and pants as needed. She also patched up plenty of clothing as hand me downs. When the number of children in the household started increasing she turned a hall closet into a second bathroom, and built a 3-level bunk bed in the boy’s room. She was as comfortable behind a sewing machine as she was with a hammer or circular saw in her hand. Shirley also spent time volunteering as a Girl Scout troop leader, Room Mother, and cake baker for school carnivals at Arbor Heights, where all of her children attended.In her spare time as a hobby she became an outstanding bowler earning recognition in the Omaha World Herald for a 572 Series, amongst other achievements. She was also a league president and as a team member Shirley won several league championships. When her children started getting older and moving out, she started to work outside the home. First, she worked and taught craft classes at Lee Wards, and later at Mangelsen’s. After that she went on to manage a used bookstore and later a 250 unit apartment complex.In 1995 Shirley decided to retire and move to Stillwater, Oklahoma. In retirement she never stopped working. She was a seamstress and embroiderer for Chris’ University Spirit, and a sorority house mom for Zeta Tau Alpha at Oklahoma State University. Despite the crossing of the enemy lines, she was still a Cornhusker, proudly displaying her loyalty with the Husker logo on the spare tire cover of her CRV.After almost 18 years in Stillwater, Shirley decided it was time to return home. In 2013, with the help of her family, she sold her house and returned to Omaha. Shirley chose to spend her last years in an apartment community within walking distance of her sister, and in closer proximity to her brother and most of her children.After celebrating her 85th birthday in March, Shirley became ill and in May was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of cancer. She underwent two surgeries while trying to battle the disease, but ultimately it took her life. She was strong in her battle, never once complaining or saying “Why ME?”. With the help of her family she remained in her home until two weeks prior to her passing. At that point she entered a facility for hospice care. Shirley remained strong taking only Tylenol for pain until her last few days. Shirley passed surrounded by her children, with her daughters singing hymns at her bedside. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by many. Visitation: Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 from 2-4:00pm at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) Celebration of Shirley’s Life: Monday, Oct. 23, 2017 at 10:30am at Braman Mortuary (72 St. Chapel) Interment: Evergreen