Obituary of Velma Anna Muszar Deffes

Velma Anna Muszar-Deffes passed away on Monday, 5/8/17 at the age of 87. Daughter of the late Leonard Joseph Muszar and Noemi Landry Muszar. Beloved wife of the late Merlin Claude Deffes. Loving mother of Merlin J. Deffes (Doris), Deborah A. Matyi (Keith), Mary E. Girard (Michael), and Catherine A. Hicks (Paul). Proud grandmother of Jeremy Lott, Kaytlin McClain, Tony McClain, Troy McClain, Jared Sharp, Crystal McGrath, Lauren Duncan, Lisa Sansalone, Dorothy Jackson, Erin Cooley, Drew Hicks and Leah Hicks. Also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Velma was born July 7, 1929 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. She lived in Pearl River, LA until she was unable to care for herself and became ill with vascular dementia. She was cared for by her children, traveling to their homes, allowing them to spend quality time with her and share in her much needed care. For the last year and a half, her final home was Gallatin, TN; she passed away at the Gallatin Healthcare and Rehab Center in Gallatin, TN. Velma worked for Bell South Telephone Company until the birth of her first child. She then became a homemaker where she lovingly cared for her husband and children. When her children were grown she became a CNA, working in a nursing home facility for a while and then became a personal care assistant. Her desire to help the elderly became her passion, she worked for several families, caring for their loved ones until their passing. Her love for family and the Lord was great and she became the family's prayer warrior. She had a beautiful smile, a great personality and touched the hearts and lives of everyone she came in contact with; she never met a stranger. Her witty sense of humor could make anyone laugh at the drop of a hat. She loved gardening and she loved roses of all colors but most of all red roses. She will be greatly missed and the memories will remain in the hearts of her family always, knowing one day they will all be reunited. This is not goodbye but, we will see you again! Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Saturday, May 13th from 12:30PM – 3:00PM, followed by a celebration of Velma's life beginning at 3:00PM. She will be laid to rest in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens. Sumner County Funeral and Cremation Services in Gallatin in charge of lcoal arrangememts.