Catherine E. Velky

Princess Matoaka:

A Leader In The Schaghticoke Tribal Nation

Catherine E. Velky, 87, of the Huntington section of Shelton, died August 3, at Griffin Hospital. She was born in Bridgeport, August 14, 1923, daughter of Lillian (Munn) and Howard Harris.

Survivors include six children along with their spouses, including Linda Gray of Sandy Hook; three siblings; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her husband, Paul F. Velky, predeceased her in January 1978. Daughter Paulette Crone-Morange, two grandsons, and three siblings also predeceased Mrs Velky.

Mrs Velky was the eldest Schaghticoke Tribal Nation (STN) member and served as a council member since the mid-1960s. She was directly descended from the founder of Schaghticoke, Gideon Mauwee. She was named Princess Matoaka (meaning: wherever she goes, she brings people together). In 1990, she traveled to Rome representing her tribe for the canonization of the first Native American Saint, Kateri Tekawitha. In 2004, she traveled with a contingent representing Schaghticoke in Washington, D.C.

She lived her life as an active tribal member, participating on the Connecticut Indian Affairs Council in Hartford and assisted a daughter who was involved in the American Indians for Development. She attended and recognized in several naming ceremonies. Catherine worked many volunteer hours in the STN office as secretary and file clerk to the Chief of the Tribe, which is her youngest son. She played an instrumental part in the development and organization of more than 40,000 documents that were remanded to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., for the process of federal recognition.

Her other special interests were spending time with her family, shopping, crocheting, and watching Judge Judy.

Her family considered her the rock, strength, and foundation of the family, quick-witted, and a woman who enjoyed making people smile. She is loved and missed greatly by her family and friends. “When God created the perfect mother it was our Mom.”

Funeral services took place August 9. Interment was in Schaghticoke Burial Grounds, in Kent.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation Scholarship Fund, 101 Elizabeth Street, Derby CT 06418. To leave online condolences visit www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com.

The Newtown Bee        August 12, 2011