Velma L. Rees

Velma L. Rees, 84, of Girard, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Shepherd of the Valley in Girard, Ohio.

Velma was born on May 11, 1941, a daughter to Lewis and R. Dorothy (Brickey) Yakopec.

She was a 1959 McDonald High School graduate, and a member of St. Rose Church in Girard.

Velma was an avid traveler at heart, finding joy in exploring new places. Her love of travel extended into her professional life, as she worked for Cruise Ahoy in Boardman, Ohio, for many years.

Alongside her love for seeing the world, Velma had a special bond with animals and worked as a dog groomer.

She leaves behind her sister, Sandra (Guy) Nusbaum; brother, Michael (Jackie) Yakopec; grandchildren, James R. (Brooke) and Noah; great-grandchildren Alaina, James D., and Gracie, along with several nieces and nephews.

Velma is preceded in death by her husband, James F. Rees, whom she married on August 13, 1960, and who passed away in 2005. She is also reunited with her son and only child, James Lewis Rees, who passed away on January 30th, 2005, a loss that weighed heavily on her heart.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Velma on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, at 11a.m., at St. Rose Church in Girard.

She will be laid to rest at Belmont Park Cemetery alongside her son and husband.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers please consider donating to a Sojourner House or Someplace Safe in her memory.