Velma F. (Baker) Sugrue

Velma F. Sugrue (Baker), age 91, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2022, at the Lahey Clinic Hospital in Burlington.  

Velma was born on January 20, 1931, in Everett, MA; she was the dear daughter of the late Hubert and Gertrude (Rousell) Baker.  Velma was raised and educated in Everett and was one of seven siblings who all pre-deceased her.

Velma met her "sweetheart" a handsome young soldier named Arthur Sugrue from Cambridge; they were soon inseparable.  The couple married, started a family and soon after Arthur was deployed to Korea.  Upon his return, the couple lived in the city for several years before moving "up country" to Wilmington where they raised their five children.  Velma was a devoted wife and a stay-at-home mom for her children while they were young. Velma was a good cook and famous for her meatballs which everyone wanted and expected at every family gathering; not bad for the "Irish girl".  Velma's door was always open to her family, friends and every stray animal her children brought home; she was always taking care of someone.  Velma opened her heart and home to one particular Brittany Spaniel that she named Max; he became her constant companion and accompanied her everywhere she went.  Max was her co-pilot who would have his head hanging out the passenger's window and navigating to their destination.

Velma's family meant the world to her; she looked forward to having everyone together for family holidays and special occasions where many wonderful memories were made.  Velma treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she looked forward to babysitting, attending countless sports games, school events, graduations and dance recitals. 

Velma loved to hear about what was going on in their lives; she was so proud of their accomplishments and always let them know how much she loved them. Velma and Arthur had a wonderful relationship throughout the years, they enjoyed dancing, traveling with family and friends, hosting their Saturday night card games and enjoying each other's company.  Arthur was very involved with the Wilmington Minutemen and Velma was right there to support him. She traveled all over with the group, she helped make or mend uniforms, and pitched in where she could.

After her children were in school, Velma, decided to start a career and took a job with the Internal Revenue Service.  Velma worked her way through the ranks, she was a quick learner and put forth her great people skills; all attributes that made her successful throughout the years.  Velma retired from the IRS as an administrator following many years of faithful service.

Velma will be fondly remembered as a lovely lady, she was devoted to her family, she was a great neighbor and a true friend.  Velma had a quiet nature but was always willing to help anyone in need.  She was the true matriarch of a wonderful family, and she will forever live in the hearts of those she loved.

Velma was the beloved wife of the late Arthur Sugrue, devoted mother of Kathleen Andre & companion Robert Reidy of Wales, MA, Michael Sugrue & wife Patty of Hookset, NH, Diane Sugrue & companion Frankie Ciampa of Nahant, Arthur Sugrue & wife Debbie of Tewksbury and David Sugrue & wife Cori of Wilmington.  Loving "Nana" of Michael, Matthew, Michael, Lyndsay, Jonathan, Christopher, Tina, Pat, Ryan, Danny, Kelli, Jackie, Danielle, David, and her Great-Grandchildren Kiera, Michael, Teddy, Sophie, Adrienne, Jonathan, James, Charlotte, Gabriella, Sophia, Ellie and Maxwell.  Velma was the dear sister of the late Harold, Florence "Flo", Ruth, Warren, Damen and Dot.  She is further survived by many nieces, nephews and their families.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, October 12th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 10:00 a.m.  Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.  Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 11th from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com