Velma Jean Davanzo

Velma, born February 15, 1935,to the late James and Emma (Bees) Rawden, grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. She, along with her husband Robert “Bob” L. Davanzo raised 5 wonderful children. Later on, the couple decided to move south to join Bob’s sister and her family of 8 in sunny Virginia Beach, and Velma went to work outside the home as a professional baker and cake decorator.

Velma loved and cared for her family unconditionally. All of her children can attest to having the best mother and happiest childhood ever. When her children were young and her husband was working, Velma quickly became known as the Irish-Italian (she wasn’t Italian) chef of the block.She loved and cared for her children deeply, and that love spilled over into her pepperoni rolls, pizzas, and homemade cinnamon rolls, which were always dripping with brown sugar, creamy butter, and spices.

Left to cherish her memory are her 4 children, Donald James Davanzo and his wife Doris Davanzo, Mary Margaret Davanzo-Tysor and her husband Joseph Tysor, Kathleen Ann Davanzo and her husband Robert Jones, her youngest son, Joseph Lawrence Davanzo, and her daughter-in-law Rachel Davanzo. Velma was preceded in death by her son Robert Francis Davanzo, the angel. Velma is also survived by 4 grateful grandchildren: Jonathan Heineck, Robert Davanzo, Makenzi Paluso, and Trevor Paluso. Velma will also be missed by her blessed nephews Jimmy and Johnny Rawden and her niece Shannon Rawden ; she loved them as her first children.

Those who wish to remember Velma may make gifts in her memory to her favorite charity St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Services will be private.