Velma Lillian Charlesworth

Velma Lillian (Smith) Charlesworth passed away peacefully at her home at 5:30 a.m. on the morning of November 1, 2021. She was 102 years young. She was born on a dairy farm in Castile, New York to Sylvanius Frank Smith and Frances Nichols Smith. Velma was predeceased by her husband, George H. Charlesworth, Sr., her daughter, Bonnie Beth Tozzi and devoted son, David. She is survived by her son George and his wife Eileen; her grandsons, Jason and Michael Tozzi and Ezekiel Charlesworth; granddaughter, Dory Charlesworth and great-grandson, James Charlesworth. At five years old, Velma was reprimanded by her father for riding her father’s plow horses, Daisy and Dandy bareback around the field. At thirteen, she informed her parents that she was moving out of their home in order to be in a better school district. She found a room with a family in the better school district and worked for her room and board by helping with the household chores and babysitting the children. Velma was accepted at Houghton College in Fillmore, New York where she met her husband, George Charlesworth. Upon graduating, she got a job in the cold reaches Watertown, New York. In 1944, George and Velma married and settled in Maryland a few years later. While in Maryland, Velma taught at the University of Maryland and worked at the Library of Congress. After moving to Stratford, she taught in the Bridgeport, Trumbull and Stratford School Systems. The passing of her son, David in August was very upsetting, but Velma remained strong and in charge. She was still telling her son, George what to eat and not eat until a few days before her death. She will be missed and will always be remembered as the strongest person we have ever known. The family is forever grateful to Claudette Wright for her loving care of Velma over the last three and a half years. In lieu of lowers, donations may be made to the Stratford United Methodist Church, 2600 Main St., Stratford, CT 06615. The Methodist Church was very near and dear to Velma’s heart. For additional information or to share a message of condolence, please visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.