OXFORD – Velma L. Diamond, 53, of Oxford, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 30, 2009 at her home. 
She was born on Jan. 21, 1956 in Norwich, the daughter of the late Charles and Mable (White) Monday.
She is survived by her companion, John Knapp of Oxford; her children, Betty Jo and Matthew Traister of Cincinnati, Ohio, Lori Diamond and Marie Russell of Charlotte, N.C., and Frank Diamond and his fiancé  Hope Schad of Endicott; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Annette Monday of Norwich, Linn and Patty Monday of Norwich; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Robert Barnes of Ithaca, Shirley and Allan Golden of Norwich and her grandchildren, Kayla, Justin, Devon and Teagan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Velma graduated from Norwich High School in 1974.  She had worked at the NYS Veterans’ Home in Oxford for over 25 years. She was a member of the Civil Service Employees Association and the Chenango Bird Club. She had a large collection of Boyd’s Bears. She enjoyed her family and friends. She loved her dogs, Luke and Patty.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Behe Funeral Home, 21 Main St., Oxford.  Burial will be in the spring in Plymouth Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Behe Funeral Home on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Chenango County SPCA.