Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Velma Knapp (nee Leifso), of Hanover, passed away peacefully at Parkview Manor in Chesley on Saturday, November 26, 2022. She was 87.
Born on November 10, 1935 in Brant Township to the late Gordon and Adeline (nee Frook) Leifso. Velma was the office manager with Peoples until her retirement. In her later years, you would find her alongside Don attending various functions at St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church in Hanover. She was a devoted member of the ELW and always had a big heart to help others. Her kind smile will be missed by many.
Survived by husband Don Knapp of Hanover. Loved mother of Lori (Kevin) Woods and Lynn (Ray) Connor both of Hanover. Adored by her grandchildren: Matthew (Rebecca) Woods, Kristen (Brett) Schnurr, LeeAnn (Brad) McCulloch, Lisa (Gord) Polfuss and great grandchildren Cain, Grayson, Lauren, Grace, Vera, Connor and Theodore. Fondly remembered by her sister Shirley Lang of Hanover and brothers Morley (Joyce) Leifso of Elmwood, Morris (Theresa) Leifso of Durham and Robert Leifso of Stratford. She will be missed by her nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her first husband Lorne Wilken and by her brother in law Alf Lang.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 from 2-4 & 6-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church, Hanover on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 11:00 am. Interment in Hanover Cemetery, Hanover.
Memorial donations to the St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
VIDEO: Tribute Slideshow
Don.. please except our sincere condolences on the passing of Velma. We will miss her pleasant greetings whenever we passed your place and Velma and you were sitting on the front porch.
- Ron and Gwen ClarkeMy condolences Lori & Lynn and to the rest of the family on the loss of Velma!
She was truly an amazing lady always had a smile to share, dedicated to her family job, and community. She was so kind to me and my family when we moved here for me to be the Mgr at Peoples Dept Store. My success there was attributed to her guidance, commitment, knowledge, lets have fun, and get the job done attitude!
She was one very special lady and will be missed by many.
The passing of your Mom brought tears to my eyes she was 1 of my very favourite customers and friend for years. so sorry for your loss.
- Kathie D. ParkerLori, Lynn and Family
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Such a kind lady. Always took time to chat and ask about our mom. Hugs to you all as you treasure all those great memories
Megan and Jeff
So sorry to hear of Velma's passing. Always a beautiful smile and lovely visit. Treasure your memories and hold them close to your heart.
- Lori WilliamsonDerek and I are so sorry for your and your family's loss Don. We will miss her beautiful warm smile, her warmth and her gentleness. May she rest in peace. You will be in our thoughts and prayers Don. God bless you and your family.
Derek and Cheryl
Lori and Lynn
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your Mom!! She always had a smile and it was always nice to chat with her whenever our paths crossed!! You will have many memories to treasure!!!
Our deepest sympathy to Don, Lori, Lynn and families. May you find strength through this difficult time and know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Sincerely Jean and Gerald
Lynn ,Lori and your families,,,so sorry to read of your Mom s passing. We send our sincere condolences Our thoughts are with you at this time. John,Murray and Judy Vance [ Clark ],
- Judy ClarkTo Velma's family we send our deepest sympathy.
Remembering her beautiful smile and gentle nature.
Deepest sympathies to all the families....Velma was a lovely person...friend....and will be missed..... joan kaufman
- Joan L KaufmanDeepest Condolences to Velma's friends and family. So sorry for your loss.
- Dwayne FrookOur deepest condolences Lori ,Lynn and families I will always remember her kind heart and smile .We are so sorry you your loss
- Pat and Bruce FelkerWe are so sorry to hear about the loss of Velma. Sincere sympathies to all the family. Velma was a very lovely and gentle lady. Gary and Cathy Lund
- Gary and Cathy LundOur sincerest condolences to the entire family. Velma was such a lovely person. May all the good memories of her help you through this difficult time.
Warren and Deb Dickert
Don, Lori, Kevin, Lynn & Ray, our deepest sympathy to your Families in the loss of your dear Wife & Mother. Velma always cared and spoke about her family and especially her Grandkids. I remember her working at People store and she was always smiling and happy to help anyone out. She will be dearly missed..
- Ken & Janet LantzDon and family, I'm so sorry for your loss! My children and I sat behind Don and Velma at St. Matthew's for many years. She always had a big hug for me at church and when she would deliver the weekly church bulletin to the church members at HCC/McVean Lodge where I work. She loved my children like her own and loved hearing them playing behind her at church when they were babies. Velma was always so kind and caring and will be missed by so many! Rest in peace Velma!
- Lisa DavisOur deepest condolences to the entire family. She was such a kind person and always had a smile.
- Steve & Debi ReayOur deepest sympathies Lori and Lynn and your families She will be missed🙏🏿
- Randyvicki dickertDear Don, Lori & Kevin, Lynn & Ray and families - Velma was one of the friendliest, caring and kindest persons you could ever meet. We are thinking of all of you and sending our deepest sympathy. Cherish her memories.
- Steve and Suzanne WhiteOur sincere sympathies.
Our thought are with you at this difficult time. Xo
Our deepest sympathies Lori & Lynn on the loss of your Mother. She was a sweet soul who made everyone feel loved. Cherish your memories.
- Don & Karen WilsonVelma was such a wonderful lady who will be missed by everyone she knew. When I was born my parents, Roy and Ruth Disney, hired her to help. So I lave know Velma literally all my life. RIP Velma.
- Doreen and Don GatemanWhat a beautiful soul this lady was. I am proud & very happy to say she was a wonderful Godmother to me. Her face always lit up with the biggest smile when she saw me and she always had the best and most loving hugs … I can only imagine how terribly she will be missed by her family, my sincere love & sympathy to all.
- Penny Lynn Wardrop (Logie)Condolences to Velma's entire family. She always had a hello, smile and conversation. Such a sincere genuine person. Cherish your wonderful memories.
- Judy Guite FallsCondolences to Velma's entire family. She always had a hello, smile and conversation. Such a sincere genuine person. Cherish your wonderful memories.
- Judy Guite FallsOur deepest sympathies to all the family.
- David and Shirley MerceyPlease know that we are thinking of the entire family at this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to all of you…Velma was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed chatting with her!
- Sherry and Bruce JacklinOur sympathies to the entire family on the loss of your mom, wife, Grandma and Great Grandma.
She always had a big smile and warm greeting for us and that's what we will remember.
We hope it comforts you that her suffering is finally over.
Dear Lori and Lynn,
I was very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a wonderful neighbour for many years. She was a very kind woman and always had a smile. She will be very much missed.
Susan (Ahrens) Schleifer
we extend our sympathy to the entire family of Velma a dear kind soul who we were so pleased to get to know as we attended area ELW events and at local dances,
Our deepest condolences go out to the extended Knapp, Wilken and Leifso families.
- Brad & Barb LeifsoDon, Lori, Kevin, Lynn, Ray and families: We are saddened by news of your loss. Velma always had a big smile and kind words. Wishing you peace to bring comfort and courage to face the days ahead along with loving memories to fill your hearts.
- Nadine & Michael SchwandtWe send our sympathy to you Lori, Kevin, Lyn, Ray and families on the loss of your mother, she was a wonderful lady and will be missed.
- Jack and Ellen CavillSending my sympathy to the family@
- Dawn BrenndorferDeepest Sympathies Lynn, Lori, Don and families sorry for your loss, keep those beautiful memories of Velma close to your heart. Keep you all in our prayers!
Rose & Gary
Our Deepest Sympathy to Don Lori Lynn and your families at this time.
- James Woods Karen&Cody SmithThinking of all of you during this very sad time. She was a lovely person. She will be missed by all her family and friends. Hugs to all of you! 💕
- Janice & Todd SweigerDear Lori and Lynn
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mom. She was one of the best ladies I knew. Always had a smile and something nice to say.
Hugs and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Larry and Dianne
Our condolences on the loss of Velma. Know she was not able to enjoy life as one would wish anymore but she was certainly a very special part of your lives and I'm sure you will always hold that memory in your hearts. Hugs Delton and Helen
- Delton and Helen BeckerMy condolences to Don, Lori & Kevin, Lynn & Ray and their families. Also to Velma's siblings Shirley, Morley, Morris & Robert and their families.
Had many enjoyable conversations with Velma at dances, shopping etc. She will be missed. Sorry l am out of town and cannot attend the funeral.
Sending my deepest sympathy. Al Monk
So sorry for your loss ! Sending hugs
- Sheila and Dale AllenLori and Kevin, Lynn and Ray we are sorry to hear of Velmas passing. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile. What a Lady she was.
Sincerely Karen and Doug.
Sorry to hear of. Velma. Passing away Deepest sympathy to all her family
- Donna. VessieDear family-- our deepest sympathy to all for the loss of a dear wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was a beautiful soul in every way.
- Larrie and Lorraine MonkLori and Lynn and families. Our sincerest condolences to Lori, Lynn and families on the passing of Velma. Our thoughts are with you.
Brian and Cathy Bartman
Deepest sympathy to all the families.
- Annita RodyLorie, Lynn and families, we extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mom. She was such a special lady-always a big smile and wanting to know what was new in our lives. We have shared many stories with Kim's Mom and Dad (Lloyd and Georgia Peter) of the good times they had with your Mom and Dad. She will be remembered as having such a big heart and so very kind.
- patricia carmountDon, Lori and Kevin, Lynn and Ray and families.. Sending our deepest sympathies. Have many fond memories of Velma. Your Mom always had a big smile. Cherish your memories.
- Brad and Charlotte Reay
