Obituary of Velma Jean Laird

Velma Jean Laird Laird, Velma Jean of Lockport, NY, passed away on Saturday August 21, 2010 in Briody Health Care Facility. Born on November 19, 1918 in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of Ralph W. and Florence Taylor Laird. Jean graduated from Kenmore High School in 1936, received a BS in Home Economics from Buffalo State College in 1940, an MS in Human Ecology from Cornell University in 1946 and attended summer/school in various places, including Colorado, Alaska and Hawaii. She taught Home Economics at Albion High School for 7 years and North Park School in Lockport for 24 years, retiring in 1973. Jean was a world traveler having visited over 65 countries and gave many travelogues. She enjoyed photography, music, piano and recorder. She was a volunteer at the Eastern Niagara Hospital,Lockport, Meals on Wheels and the American Red Cross and spent many winters at New Smyrna Beach, FL. Her memberships include; Lockport United Church of Christ, PEO Sisterhood, Eastern Niagara Hospital Guild, Lockport, Kenan Arts Council, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Dale Association, Retired Teachers Association, Lockport Gardeners, Lockport College Women’s Club, Camera Club and Niagara County Historical Society. Jean is survived by cousins Leroy Taylor, Louah McAvoy, Linda Masters, Patricia Schneider, Jane Taylor and other cousins. A memorial service will be held on Thursday August 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Lockport United Church of Christ, 98 East Ave., Lockport, NY. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to the church or the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.langefuneralhomeinc.com.