Velma Jean DeFreese


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Velma Jean DeFreese
1929-2019



Velma DeFreese 1929-2019

Scarborough- Velma Jean (Glover) DeFreese 90, formerly of Portsmouth NH, entered peacefully into the Church Triumphant on Friday, November 15, 2019 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and associated illnesses, with members of her family and her son Stan by her side.

Jean spent much of her life as a caregiver.  She worked at both the Portsmouth and Exeter Hospitals. In 1967, she moved with her husband Vern and her children to Clark AFB, Philippines.  While there she made use of her caregiving talents as a volunteer nurse where she participated in both Operation Babylift and Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Vietnamese children, orphans and refugees from South Vietnam.   

When she returned from the Philippines, she once again worked as a nurse at Wentworth Nursing home, she then transitioned to in-home health care.  After retiring she continued home health care and became a nanny for a local family, where she cared for three lovely children for many years.

She is survived by her sons Vern Jr, and Stan DeFreese, daughters Mary and Betty Barnhart and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband of over 52 years, Vernon Sr, her son James, and numerous brothers and sisters.

There will be a celebration of Life for Jean prior to her burial at Arlington National Cemetery next to her husband. The date is still to be determined.  

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Jean’s name to:  Southern Maine Agency on Aging and the Sam Cohen Center in Biddeford Maine to whom we would like to express our most heartfelt gratitude for the amazing care they provided to our mother, Jean.




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