WESTVILLE – Velma Jean Gay, 73, Westville, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2014 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, surrounded by her family after a brief illness. Born in Pictou, she was a daughter of the late Robert Webster and Isabel Florence (MacLeod) MacFarlane. Prior to retirement, she was employed with Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, Pictou for 23 years. Velma was an avid bowler, enjoyed music and traveling to Blue Grass festivals with her husband, Ronnie. Velma was a lady who possessed a strong faith and love for her family. Surviving are her husband of 31 years, Ronald William “Ronnie” Gay; daughters, Donalda (Don), Donna, Calgary, Alta.; Debbie (Paul), Sydney; Diana (Scott), Halifax; Stacey (Marius), Toronto, Ont.; sons, Bobby (Beverly), Coalburn; Randy (Michael), Ottawa; sisters, Kathleen (Jack), Caribou; Bernice (Nelson), Combermere, Ont.; grandchildren, Christopher (Jeanne), Tracey (Andrew), Kyla, Kyle (Tasha), Chelsea (Joe), Charley and Darby; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brother, Vernon; sister, Elvira. The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday in the chapel with Rev. Jeff Lackie officiating. Interment will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens at a later date. The Gay family wish to express their gratitude for the exceptional care given to Velma by the St. Martha’s staff. Donations may be made in Velma’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation. (click on link to donate now)