Velma Frieden

Velma P. Watts Frieden NORFOLK - Velma Phillips Watts Frieden, 83, passed away Jan. 11, 2011. She was born in Norfolk June 8, 1927 to Ferdinand and Dorothy Phillips. She is survived by her children, Tom Watts (Merry), Dotty Watts Kello (George), and Peggy Watts Gup (Ted) and stepdaughter, Brooke Frieden Praw (Izak) and her brother, Philly Phillips (Barbara). She had nine grandchildren and two great-grand daughters. Val graduated from Maury High School and attended Hollins College. She dropped out to marry the love of her life, Stanley S. Watts, on Dec. 27, 1947. They were married 25 years before Stan died in 1972. She then married Dr. Julian Frieden in 1975 and moved to California, where she lived until 2007, when she moved back to Norfolk after Dr. Frieden's death. She was first and foremost a mother; she also volunteered all of her life in hospitals and was one of the first heart family support volunteers. She also loved to play golf, to travel, and to spend weeks at Virginia Beach in the summer with her children and grandchildren. A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, Jan. 14, at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, 1501 Colonial Ave., from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to the charity of your choice.