VAN BUREN – Velma R. Castonguay, 71, died May 26, 2012, at a Van Buren health care facility. Velma was born July 28, 1940, in Cyr Plantation, the youngest daughter of Bruno and Annie (Madore) Gagnon.
Though Velma never worked much outside the home, her true vocation in life was genuinely caring for others. Being the youngest of 19 children, Velma was dedicated to caring for her parents as they grew older, and then cared for many of her siblings as they aged. Later on, she became involved in the Meals on Wheels service and the Mercy Meal committee of her parish at St. Peter Chanel, Van Buren.
Of 19 children, Velma is survived by four sisters, Agatha Chabre of Van Buren, Claire Labreck of Windsor, Conn., Adrienne Brumbaum and Omerine Gendreau, both of East Hartford, Conn.; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and 14 siblings, she was predeceased by her husband, Herbert Castonguay, in 2008.
Relatives and friends may call 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Committal service and interment will be at Grande Riviere Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in her memory to the Mercy Meal committee at St. Peter Chanel Parish, 174 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785. To leave online condolences, please visit
www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.