Valerie was born August 5, 1965 in Damariscotta, Maine the daughter of Nancy V. Gamage of Topsham and Richard C. Schwartz and wife Annette of Red Bank, NJ. Valerie grew up in Topsham and graduated from Mt. Ararat High School in 1983. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Maine Farmington in 1987.
Valerie met Brian Wiacek while she was a student at the University of Maine Farmington. They were married shortly after her commencement on June 6, 1987. They have shared a wonderful married life together, recently celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.
Valerie and Brian were blessed with two remarkable children, Kevin M. Wiacek in 1989 and Jennifer L. Wiacek in 1990. Both reside in Gorham. Valerie was very proud of Kevin’s recent graduation from New England School of Communication and Jennifer’s accomplishments at Unity College.
Val enjoyed teaching at New Sharon Elementary School and White Rock, Narragansett and Village Elementary Schools of the Gorham school system. Her “Little Ones” were always very special to her. Valerie will be remembered for her loving kindness, caring and thoughtfulness to all she met. She was always concerned about others and how she could help them. Valerie loved nature and being outdoors.
She enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage on Pemaquid Lake.
It was her wish that in her remembrance that “people would take some time to take a hike, visit the shore or take a walk; find a special place and spend some quiet time to be thankful, let go of stress, listen and enjoy. When you do, find a special rock or shell and bring it home as a reminder of me, good things in life and hope.”
Valerie is survived by her husband, Brian, children, Kevin and Jennifer, mother, Nancy Gamage of Topsham, father, Richard C. Schwartz and wife Annette of Red Bank, NJ, sister, Theresa Champagne of Phippsburg, and brother, Tony Gamage of Augusta, sister-in-law, Barbara Quinto and husband, Dick and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers Thomas J. Schwartz of Harpswell and Vincent R. Schwartz of Lisbon.
Her family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the oncology department of Mercy Hospital, the Gorham Cancer and Prayer Support Group and the Gorham School Department for their care and support.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 4 at 2 p.m. at the First Parish Congregational Church, 1 Church St. Gorham. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Cressey Road United Methodist Church, c/o the Cancer Ministry, 81 Cressey Road, Gorham, ME 04038. Arrangements by Dolby & Dorr Funeral Chapel. Online condolences towww.dolbyfuneralchapels.com.
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