Velva Mae Kraunelis, 70, died on Tuesday, November 22nd at her home following a brief illness. Born and raised in Methuen, she was the daughter of Tufic “Ted” Erban and Julia (Abizaid) Erban. She was married for 38 years to the late Alan P. Kraunelis. Velva was a graduate of Methuen High School class of 1963 and The Chandler School for Women in Boston, MA. She earned her Paralegal Certificate at Northern Essex Community College.
Velva worked as a legal assistant at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen from 1984 through her retirement in 2009. She was a lifetime member of St. George Orthodox Church in Lawrence, MA where she served for many years as a member of the Parish Council and as the Food Pantry Coordinator. Velva’s greatest pleasures were spending time with her family and friends, and cooking her many delicious Lebanese and other recipes.
Velva was predeceased by her brother Lawrence T. Erban. She is survived by her children Matthew A. Kraunelis and his wife Dawn of Methuen; daughter Kristen Kraunelis and husband James White of Exeter NH; grandchildren Jack Alan Kraunelis and Sarah Mae Kraunelis both of Methuen; brother Nicholas Erban and his wife Claudette Erban of Haverhill and several close cousins, nieces and nephews.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Velva’s family from 9:00AM-10:45AM on Saturday, November 26th at St. George Orthodox Church 8 Lowell Street Lawrence, MA, with funeral services promptly following at 11:00AM at the church. Burial will follow at the United Lebanese Cemetery 50 Corbett Road Andover, MA.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. George Orthodox Church 8 Lowell Street Lawrence, MA 01840.
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St, Methuen, MA has care of the arrangements. To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.pollardfuneralhome.com