Obituary of Mary S. Valentine
Mary Valentine, 95 years of age, of Glastonbury passed away at home on March 29, 2022.
She was born in Ottawa, Canada, the only child of the late William Robert and Flora Kelly Stevenson. The family moved to the United States when Mary was an infant and she always spoke with such affection for both her life in Wethersfield and her yearly family trips back to Canada to visit with relatives.
Upon completion of her education in the Wethersfield public school system, she attended Russell Sage College in Troy, New York, graduating with a B.S. in teaching. She was a physical education teacher in the Wethersfield and Hartford school systems and a longtime substitute teacher in the Glastonbury public schools.
Mary was a longstanding member of the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury. Over her many years there, she served on several committees and greatly enjoyed the Women’s Fellowship bridge group. She volunteered at the Second Chance shop in Glastonbury, which supported the Village for Families and Children.
Mary's many interests included tennis, bridge, garden club, and traveling with her husband. She also had a genuine love for animals, particularly dogs, and treated them with special treats and attention. However, she was happiest spending time with her family, especially at their cottage on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. When she was there, she would awaken early in the morning, spoil any dog who was in the cottage, and then prepare her special muffins for all to eat. She had a beautiful smile and loved to laugh. She also enjoyed telling a good story, whether it was about her days visiting family in Canada or her adventures on overseas trips with her beloved husband.
She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Robert C. Valentine and is survived by her children Anne D'Angelo (Gene), Bill Valentine, Jim Valentine (Heidi), Wendy Howard (Rick), and by her grandchildren David D'Angelo (Brit), Katie Manter (Ben), Emily Valentine, Steven Howard (Molly), Nate Howard, Jill Howard, and four great grandchildren.
Mary’s family would like to especially thank her wonderful caregivers for the help and kindness that they provided her with over the past 3 1/2 years.
A private service will be held for the family.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd, Newington, Ct 06111 (https://cthumane.org). For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.