Velma Louise Nadeau

With a journey that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Velma “Louise” Nadeau lived a life of purpose while holding her loved ones near. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and one always knew where they stood with her. Louise treasured her roles as a wife and mother, but nothing filled her with more joy than becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother later in life. She was a busy lady with a lot to do, and all who knew her would agree that she was filled with a certain spunk that truly made her one of a kind. Louise was active within her community, and she never knew a stranger. Deeply loved, she will never be forgotten.

Life in America during the 1930s was a struggle for nearly all Americans as the Great Depression held our nation and much of the world firmly in its grip throughout the entire decade. A soaring unemployment rate became our reality, and a drought in the nation’s heartland only made the challenges all the more devastating. Despite the trials around them, Johnny and Rosetta Posey were able to shift their focus to a joyous time in their lives as they celebrated the birth of the baby girl they named Velma on October 27, 1935, in Lepanto, Arkansas. Generally known as Louise, she was a typical young girl of her generation. Louise was one of five children as she was joined in her family by her siblings, Maxine, J. L., J. P. and Danny. When she was 19, she took a job at Premier Tool and Die Shop.

After putting in a long day at work, Louise loved to go dancing at the White House in Niles, and it was there that she met the love of her life. His name was Joseph R. Nadeau, and he was originally from Bucksport, Maine. When he was 17, he enlisted in the Army. After being honorably discharged, Joe moved to Lake Michigan where he and Louise had a love for dancing. Joe soon accepted a job with Emge Packing, and he and Louise spent their lives together in Auburn, Indiana. Together they welcomed three children including Mark, Michael, and Shelley into their hearts and home.

Louise treasured her family and was a terrific mother who had a beautiful garden, flowers, and a free spirit. She had amazing skills in the kitchen and was famous for both her chicken and dumplings and her chocolate chip cookies. Louise also loved canning, and it has been said that she made the best canned dill pickles. She usually hung her laundry on the line instead of using her dryer, and she loved the smell of fresh laundry. Louise’s children loved her homemade caramel corn and fresh popcorn. She made fresh macaroni and tomatoes with bacon grease, and her specialty was bologna, tomato, and cheese. Although she never had her driver’s license, Louise always got her kids to their doctors appointments, school functions, scouts, sporting events, and band practices on time, even if it required bikes or walking. She loved their many family vacations, and somehow they always included a funny story that one would think came from a movie. In addition to the days that each of her children were born, her proudest moments were when each of her children graduated from high school and college. Because their anniversary was on Halloween, Louise and Joe were in good spirits on that day and loved to dress up. Joe and Louise always laughed because when they were married, the preacher said there would be more treating then tricking.

Throughout her life Louise was a bustle of activity. She loved traveling all over the United States and working for her daughter, Shelly, selling her arts and crafts. Another favorite time was when her two children surprised Louise and Joe with a trip to see their son, Mark, in Key West, Florida, for Fantasy Festival. She loved late evening boat rides on the pontoon at Hamilton Lake and going fast on the jet boat with Mike and Joe. Within her community, Louise was a member of Auburn Church of Christ and also attended New Hope Christian Center. She was also a member of the Auburn Moose Lodge 566 and Women of the Moose Chapter 261.

It was no secret that Louise’s greatest joy was found in loving her grandchildren and her children. She loved shopping for them, buying them cherished items, and making cakes, cookies, pies for all the holidays and birthdays. Louise looked forward to visiting her grandchildren in West Virginia, and she loved going to Florida with both Ali and McKenzie. Louise never missed a trip traveling to see her granddaughter in show choir. She enjoyed planting roses in her garden with Ali as well as attending her school programs, movies, plays, festivals, and teaching her how to cook.

There were so many things to love about Louise. She loved to talk, but whenever she was done talking she would just end it or hang up. Louise was also known to pretend she didn’t hear someone when they said something to her. Then when asked about it, she would say, “I CAN HEAR YOU!” Among her favorite quotes were, “Okay, I gotta go Joe my TV shows are coming on.” Her favorite shows included The Voice, American Idol, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Jerry Springer, Price is Right, Jeopardy, and Miss USA, Miss Universe, Miss America. Louise always sat in her recliner in the “naughty room” (Which she called it) with a blanket on her lap with her favorite companion, her dog, Angel.

All who knew Velma “Louise” Nadeau would say that there was no one quite like her. She was kind, loving, and selfless as she always put everyone else before herself. Louise liked to talk, but she liked to control when the conversation ended, especially if it was when her shows were coming on. There was no greater love in her life than her family, and she was happiest when surrounded by their love. Louise leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Velma “Louise” Nadeau, of Auburn, died Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Louise’s family includes her husband, Joe Nadeau of Auburn; sons, Mark Nadeau of Key West, FL and Michael Nadeau of Fort Wayne; daughter, Shelley (Dan Ohlemacher) Nadeau of Auburn; sister, Maxine Naragon of Berrien Springs, MI; brothers, J. L. (Edith) Posey of Buchanan, MI, and Danny (Sarah) Posey of Niles, MI; grandchildren, Mckenzi Nadeau, Ali Ohlemacher, Danielle (Billy) Nadeau-Hutson; great grandchildren, Katheryn Campbell, Gage Boyles, and Macy Boyles. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, J. P. Funeral service will be held Sunday 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Rev. Ralph Diehl will be officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Women of the Moose Auburn Chapter 261.

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