Velma (Martin) Belanger

Velma Rose Marie (Martin) Belanger, 88, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, February 14, 2026, reuniting in eternal peace with her beloved husband and dance partner, Lawrence “Larry” or “Pete” Belanger. Their love story, one that spanned 63 beautiful years of marriage, remains an enduring inspiration to their children and grandchildren; a shining example of commitment, joy, and partnership.

Born on New Year’s Day, 1938, in Van Buren, Maine, Velma was one of five children born to the late Ludger and Carmen (Cyr) Martin and shortly after her marriage, settled in Plainville, CT where she and Larry lovingly raised their two adored children and built a life centered on family, faith, and community.  Together, Velma and Larry owned and operated Sno White Bicycles and Power Equipment for over 30 years. While Larry worked alongside customers and friends, Velma was the meticulous and organized administrator whose keen attention to detail helped the business thrive. She took quiet pride in her work, supporting not only her family but the community they served for decades.  Velma and Larry’s home was one where the door was always open. They created countless memories filled with love and laughter, surrounded by family and friends, hosting gatherings where she prepared delicious meals that brought everyone together around her table. She loved reading, playing cards and scrabble, and was talented and accomplished at knitting and sewing.  A faithful and devout Catholic, Velma was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church and later St. Matthew Church. Her faith guided her life, grounding her in gratitude, compassion, and service to others.  Kindhearted, sincere, and embracing, Velma was a source of generosity, comfort and steady support to so many. She was always ready to help in quiet, meaningful ways; offering a meal, a listening ear, or a warm hug. Her smile was constant, with a delightful silly side that brought laughter to those she loved.  Whether they were wintering in Florida during retirement or most recently making new friends at Village Gate, they had a remarkable gift for connecting with others and making everyone feel welcome.

Though her passing leaves a profound emptiness, her legacy lives on in the love she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her warmth, her kindness, and the beautiful life she lived.

She leaves her children, Mark Belanger and his wife Lorrie and Gail Duffy and her husband Christopher; her granddaughters who were her pride and joy, Lynsie Zapatka and her husband Eric, Haley Belanger-Byrne and her husband Kevin, Stephanie Duffy and her husband Kevin McNamara, and Alexandra Duffy and she was recently delighted to welcome another generation, her great-granddaughter Penelope Byrne.  She also leaves her brothers, Eugene Martin and his wife Louise and Michael Martin and his wife Nell; her sister-in-law, Lydia Martin, brother-in-law Ronald Pelletier; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  She was predeceased by her brother Raymond Martin and her sister Sharon Pelletier.

In lieu of flowers, Velma may be remembered with contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org

Family and friends may gather on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10 a.m., meeting directly at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Forestville, CT.  She will be laid to rest privately alongside Larry at the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown, CT.  For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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