Velma M. Leger

Velma M. (Gaudet) Leger, 80, of Gardner, beloved wife and best friend of Ronald Leger for 60 years, died peacefully Monday, February 26, 2024, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, after a brief illness with her family by her side.

Born in Tignish Shore, Prince Edward Island, Canada, on March 7, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Cyril and Edna (DesRoches) Gaudet. Velma was a van driver employed by MART of Gardner and Fitchburg for several years prior to her retirement. She was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, practicing at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. She was also a member of Templeton Fish and Game Club.

Velma had a zest for life and a passion for her hobbies. She was an incredible quilter, and nothing brought her more joy than making quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was so proud to share her unique talent with them, and her family was even more proud to show off their quilts. Velma enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends at the Acadian Social Club, but only if she won. You knew "the look" was coming. If you dared to steal a hand from her, you could be certain that revenge was soon to follow.

In her younger years, she was an ace on the golf course. When she and Ronnie played in the couples' league at Gardner Municipal Golf Course, it was well-known that Velma could outdrive most of the men, making her the most sought-after teammate in the league. She was one of the Red Sox's biggest fans, even in the down years, watching every game on TV. One of her most prized possessions was the foul ball she caught at Fenway Park many years ago.

But above all, Velma's greatest joy was her family, treasuring all the special moments, especially family dinners and Christmas. Friends and family came from near and far for a taste of Velma's famous apple cake and date squares.

Besides her husband, Velma is survived by her son, Claude J. Leger and his wife Jacqueline of Gardner; two daughters, Donna M. Leger of Gardner and Lisa M. Lavalley of Athol; seven grandchildren, Jessica and Samantha Comeau, Marc and Kayla Leger, Lori McGrath, Brittany, and Justin Lavalley; seven great-grandchildren Leah, Hunter, Braycen, Carter, Connor, Camryn, and Landon; two brothers, Austin Gaudet and his wife Velda and Leonard Gaudet and his wife Audrey, both of Prince Edward Island; seven sisters Kathleen Doucette and her husband Roy and, Austina Doucette both of Prince Edward Island, Therese Leger and her husband Norman and Shirley Pitre, Ann Walsh and her husband Rick all of Ontario, Canada, Deborah Chaisson and her husband Henry of Alberta, Canada, Dorene Robichaud and her husband Claude of New Brunswick Canada; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by six siblings, Cyril Gaudet Jr., Barbara Ann Gaudet, Eunice McFadgen, Aldine Bernard, Irene Arsenault, and Sandy Janes.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial will be held at Notre Dame Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.

Calling Hours will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Academy, 99 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Velma M. Leger.

Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, PO Box 455, Gardner, MA 01440, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.boucherfuneral.com