Velma Lou Schaferling

Velma Lou Schaferling, 85, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026.

Velma was born on October 15, 1940, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Maxie and Helen Peloquin. Proud of her Louisiana roots, she carried her Cajun spirit, warmth, and love of people with her throughout her life. She was the eldest of five children and was raised in a loving, close-knit extended family. She graduated from LaGrange Senior High School, where she served as head drummer of the Gatorettes in the marching band and was actively involved in many social groups.

Velma married James C. Schaferling and settled in Richardson, Texas, where she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her four children. She was a constant presence at St. Paul the Apostle School, volunteering her time and opening her home to neighborhood children. Her kitchen table was a gathering place filled with warm meals, laughter, and love—where friends often dropped in for coffee.

After her children left for college, Velma began working in the operating room, first as a transport technician. Her dedication and natural compassion quickly stood out, and she was trained to assist surgeons in the cardiac operating room and later in the GI clinic. She was eventually recruited by Dr. Crossland to manage his back office. Velma loved sharing her medical experiences and “knowledge” with everyone she met.

Velma called New Braunfels home for the past 20 years. She had a gift for turning strangers into lifelong friends and was known for her outgoing personality, quick wit, and unforgettable sayings. She greeted loved ones with a cheerful “Hey babe,” reminded everyone to “get some rest,” and often signed off with her favorite phrase, “Love you to the moon and back.” She affectionately called others “DaDa” and humorously referred to herself as the “Swamp Witch.” In her later years, she enjoyed staying connected on Facebook—sometimes landing herself in “Facebook jail” for her spirited posts.

She had a deep love for cooking, especially her Cajun specialties like gumbo, rice and gravy, and her famous blackberry and peach cobblers. Her grandchildren will always remember her “dog turds”—her beloved chocolate oatmeal drop cookies that were always ready and waiting. They also laugh about the fun activities Maw Maw found to do with them, like crawfish fishing in the pond down the street or riding the inchworm in the backyard at “Maw Maw camp”.  Velma was a devoted football fan, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Longhorns, the Texas A&M Aggies, and most especially her grandchildren’s teams.

She is survived by her children: Sandy Schaferling Hoffman; Dee Ann Schaferling Becker and husband James Fillpot; Jamie Schaferling Becker and husband Michael; and James Schaferling Jr. and wife Julie.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Miranda Hoffman; Ben Becker and wife Jamie; Kaydee Elliott and husband Jimmy; Max Hoffman and wife Katherine; Stephen Becker and wife Alli; Brock Becker and wife Sara; Charlie Schaferling; and Luke Schaferling.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Braelyn, Bryton, and Ryatt Becker; Beckett, Charlotte, and Hudson Elliott; Olivia and Maverick Hoffman; and Oaklynn and Adalynn Becker.  She adored all the time she spent with them.

Velma is also survived by her siblings: Ray Peloquin; Bonnie Valenzuela and her husband Pete; Johnny Peloquin and his wife Belinda; and Gary Peloquin, along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.  Her children will always remember falling asleep to the sounds of them cackling as they shared childhood stories and debated who was the “favorite”.

She is reunited in heaven with many beloved family members and friends, where surely she was met with open arms.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Davita Dialysis, who cared for her over the past 8 years.  Their compassion, dedication, and kindness meant so much to her.

Velma was truly one of a kind—full of life, humor, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in every shared meal, every laugh, and every warm “Hey babe.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on  May 23, 2026 from 11 am – 1 pm at Oakwood Baptist Church (in the Pavilion at the back of the building)
2154 Tx-337 Loop, New Braunfels, Tx 78130. Light lunch will be served. We welcome all those who knew and loved Velma!

“Love you to the moon and back.”