Velma M. Quinney

FARMINGDALE – Velma M. Quinney, 93, passed away peacefully at Captain Lewis Residence in Farmingdale on August 12, 2024. Velma lived for 93 wonderful years. She was born on March 15, 1931, in Buckfield, the daughter of Kenneth and Ethel (Ward) Keene.

Velma grew up on a farm in Monmouth, Maine. It was here that she learned the value of hard work. She and her mother and siblings spent many long hours working the farm, while her father was serving in the military during World War II. The work ethic developed during this time would prove valuable in her later years, when Velma transitioned from being a homemaker to the work force. In the early 1970’s, she joined Community Service Telephone (now Fairpoint) as a receptionist. Those who remember calling CST on Main Street in Winthrop will remember Velma’s voice answering, “Community Service Telephone, how may I help you?” They may also remember the bulletin board behind her work space where she proudly displayed newspaper clippings and photos of her grandchildren.

Velma was a member of the Alfred W. Maxwell Jr. Post 40 Women’s Auxiliary Legion in Winthrop. She devoted countless hours to this cause, and it brought her great joy. For many, many years, Velma marched in the annual Memorial Day parade in Winthrop, pridefully wearing her Legion garb. She was a proud American with a strong sense of service.

Velma was predeceased by her son, Franklin (Butch) Burnham. She is survived by her son Ronald Burnham; grandchildren, Stacy Bourne and her husband William of Winthrop, Amy Wagner and her husband Nathan of Winthrop, and Darin Burnham of Monmouth. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren, Bradley and Sam Bourne, Teddy, Madeline, and Nick Wagner, Alicen, Megan, and Lauren Burnham; as well as her special friend, Sharon Dunn.

There will be no funeral service or visiting hours per Velma’s wishes.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Captain Lewis Residence for the care and kindness shown to Velma over the past five years. Special thanks also to Andwell Health Partners and Hospice for their support during the final days of Velma’s life.

Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop where condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.