Valerie Burl Wales, age 51, of 77 Edward Street, Saranac Lake, died Monday, December 12, 2011 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, Mass.
Born in Saranac Lake, New York on December 23, 1959, she was the daughter of Preston and Barbara (Clookey) Burl. She married Dennis Wales on September 17, 1989 in Saranac Lake, NY. He predeceased her on October 1, 2008.
Valerie was a life long resident of Saranac Lake and had been employed for the American Management Association for over 20 years. She had also work for New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the Wild Life Unit. Valerie is a past member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was an avid bowler. She loved Harley Davidson Motor Cycles, golfing, hunting, fishing, camping and knitting. She particularly enjoyed playing bingo and visits to Akwesasne. Valerie fought a long and courageous battle and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by two daughters Jessica Paye and her companion Michael Muncil of Saranac Lake, NY and Jennifer Paye of Saranac Lake, NY, one step daughter Leah Thomas and her husband Randy of Battlecreek, MI, one step son Shawn Wales and his wife Ashley of Saranac Lake, NY, her father and mother Preston and Barbara Burl of Saranac Lake, NY, three sisters Thalene Bates and her husband Ric of The Villages, FL, Robin Barnum and her husband Chris of Halfmoon, NY, and Trista Marro and her husband Joe of North Carolina, two brothers Preston Burl and his wife Nancy of North Carolina and Garvin Burl of Saranac Lake, NY, eight grandchildren Jacob, Blake, Noah, Stephen, Earl, Harmonnie, Payton and Alyssa, and many nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by her step daughter Kristina Wales.
Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Friday, December 16, 2011 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home, with Rev. Mark Reilly officiating.
Friends wishing to remember Valerie Ann Wales may make memorial contributions to Tri-Lakes Humane Society or Saranac Lake Vol. Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com