Grace Edith Valentine, of Wiscasset, died Oct. 31 at home peacefully in her sleep.
Grace was born on Nov. 27, 1931 in Stamford, Conn. to the late Tut and Anna Hendrick of Norwalk, Conn. She was a graduate of Norwalk High School class of 1950. She grew up in the Norwalk area and spent much of her time on and around the Norwalk Islands. She loved rowing, sailing, fishing and long distance swimming. She was always cheerful and happy and enjoyed helping and serving others. Her hobbies included quilt making and sewing and she always looked forward to walking in the woods or going out in the boat with her granddaughters and visiting as often as possible.
She and Bill owned and operated Hickory Bluff Store in Rowayton, Conn. from the 1950s through the 1980s. Both of them spent countless days from the day they were born until they bought, operated and then retired from Hickory Bluff Store fishing, hunting, living, working and just enjoying life there on the water. During her time there, Grace was a volunteer EMT with the ambulance service in Rowayton serving the community she grew up in.
After they retired and moved to Wiscasset she spent many years serving the community and the people she loved here. She always wore a smile and was an inspiration to those she worked with and came in contact with. The colorful and meaningful quilts she made and donated for fundraising for the fire department or ambulance will be remembered by many as well as those she made for special occasions to the people she loved. Christmas and holiday baking was something else she loved and many will miss. She spent many years teaching boys and girls to swim through the YMCA and with her own private lessons. She and Bill often enjoyed taking someone fishing, going shooting or just sightseeing. She looked forward to the time at the farm with her son and his family and enjoyed many cookouts and hikes there.
She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years and lifelong love Bill on Dec. 28, 2008.
She is survived by her son, Tim Valentine and wife Karen of Somerville; daughters, Diane Valentine of Shelter Island, N.Y., and Lynn Valentine; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Grace’s wishes there will be a private memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, N.Y., NY 10018.
Condolences may be made online at www.daiglefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 40 Federal St., Wiscasset.