Velma Mabel Wittman

Velma Mabel Zuehlsdorff Wittman passed away on October 12, 2026, in Federal Way, Washington. Velma was born on October 24, 1931, in Hawley, Minnesota. Her family moved to Broadus, Montana when she was twelve. After graduating from Broadus High, Velma moved to Seattle, Washington to go to dressmaking school. She became an extremely accomplished seamstress and specialized in making clothes for the hard-to-fit figure. Even better, Velma met the love of her life in Seattle. Harold was new to town, staying at Velma’s great aunt’s boarding house and needed a tour guide. It was love at first sight! They were engaged within weeks and married within a year.

Velma worked at Frederick & Nelson in downtown Seattle, and then at Boeing in the wiring section, but her favorite job was being a self-employed seamstress and working from home so she could take care of her daughter. She later worked at Brittania Jeans and Raber Leather before going back to Boeing, this time in the blanket (insulation) factory. In 1998 she retired from Boeing to devote her time to her growing family. Velma loved her grandsons more than life itself and was instrumental in getting them to their sports and other activities on time. The addition of two wonderful daughters-in-law and a great grandson to the family truly made her life complete.

Velma is survived by her daughter Karen Langridge, her grandson Derek Langridge, his wife Ashley and their son Leo, her grandson Kyle Langridge and his wife Dani, Velma’s siblings Leith Simonson, Arlen (Wanda) Zuehlsdorff and Dwight (Helen) Zuehlsdorff, numerous nieces and nephews, and the rest of the huge extended family. Velma was preceded in death by her husband Harold Wittman, her parents John and Mabel Zuehlsdorff, her sisters Deilda Bartholmay and Jewel (Jim) Richards, and her brothers John (Eathel), Aaron (Mildred), Noel (Betty) and Roger Zuehlsdorff.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local food bank or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home, Seattle, WA.