Obituary of Iva S. Veltman

Iva (Starker) Veltman passed from this life into the next on February 24, 2020, surrounded by her family, after a long life, well-lived. Born to John and Mabel Starker on May 15, 1922, Iva lived her entire life in Albany County. She was a graduate of Albany High school and married Herbert Veltman on August 3, 1946 and the two went on to raise their family in Slingerlands, NY. Iva was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love. She had an immensely kind heart, loved a good laugh, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. While raising eleven children she was active in organizations with them acting as a den mother, participating with the girls in Triangle, working the concession stand during ball games and following them in the Fife and Drum Corps. She loved being a grandma and was always present for her grandchildren’s school plays, concerts, dance recitals and graduations. A long-time member of Slingerlands Methodist Church, Iva truly lived her faith. She devoted much time and energy to the Church Women’s Society, The Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. She enjoyed sewing for the Shriner’s Hospital. She loved walking the beaches of Cape Cod, camping with her family, Las Vegas shows with Sue, attending Capital Rep with friends, traveling with Eastern Star, and ice cream - almost any flavor. She was an avid reader and incredibly talented seamstress, knitter, and crafter, and her family and friends were the grateful recipients of many of these talents. She completed the Times Union crossword puzzle daily, enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and board games. Her kids and grandkids loved teasing her and she was always a good sport. Iva is predeceased by her parents, John and Mabel Starker; her husband, Herbert Veltman; her oldest son, Robert and her brothers John and Paul Starker. She is survived by her children Tim Veltman (Linda), Cheryl Veltman, Steven Veltman (Anne), Susan Penney (Randy), Frederick Veltman, Shawn Veltman (Shannon), Cynthia Fowles, David Veltman (Karen), Donald Veltman, and Holly Schmidt (Peter). Her grandchildren Shannon Mattison (Rick), Brenna Talbot, Benjamin Eickhof, Cortney Zuercher (Brandon), Nicole Biette (Scott), Timothy Veltman, Jr., Andrew Veltman (Alissa), Scott Veltman, Kate Schmidt, Brandon Smith and Sahara Veltman, and 12 great grandchildren, as well as many special nieces and nephews. Iva’s family extends appreciation and gratitude to her Teresian House family for the loving care and devotion shown to her and for their unwavering support. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 28th, from 4-7 at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar. A funeral service will be held on Saturday February 29th at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to The Shriners Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.