FRIENDSHIP — Velta Olga Jahnke, 85, of Friendship, passed away peacefully at Shady Oaks in Bristol, Connecticut on July 8, 2023. She was born on May 3, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York to parents Rudolf and Vera (Sasilove) Putnin.

Velta grew up in Brooklyn, New York and graduate from Prospect Heights High School in June 1955. Velta was awarded a scholarship to the Fashion Institute of Technology, but did not attend, instead worked as a business secretary. Velta retired as a medical file clerk from a well-known woman’s medical practice in Poughkeepsie, New York.

After retirement, Velta made her summer home in Friendship, Maine permanent where she like to do aquatic exercise at Samoset Resort, joined a quilting club, hosted many New York friends when they would come to her home for a visit. 

She read books, had a large DVD movie collection, and she loved watching Boston Red Sox baseball and New England Patriots football. Velta loved her many pets over the years and made donations to multiple animal rescue charities. She was a generous mother and nana.

Velta is predeceased by her husband, William, who passed away four days prior on July 4, 2023.

Velta is survived by her daughters, Laura Jahnke of Belchertown, Massachusetts, and Leslie Jahnke Foley and husband Robert Foley, of Terryville, Connecticut; grandchildren Matthew Wiggins, of Belchertown Massachusetts, David Moran and wife Aimee of Washington state, Evan Foley of North Haven, Connecticut, Seth Foley and Luke Foley, both of Terryville, Connecticut.  

A graveside service will be held later this summer.