LEBANON – Anne LaValley, a 30-year employee at the York County Courthouse who had an infectious smile and lived life to the fullest, died Wednesday. She was 55.
Family and friends will gather tonight at the Carll Heald & Black Funeral Home in Springvale to celebrate the life of Mrs. LaValley — a woman who fought hard to live and meant much to many people.
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Most recently, Mrs. LaValley worked as deputy register of probate. Her primary job was to process estates.
Register of Probate Carol Lovejoy said Thursday that Mrs. LaValley loved her work. She had a soft and compassionate approach to helping people in their time of grief.
Lovejoy was also Mrs. LaValley’s younger sister — the two worked in the same office for many years.
“We had our moments,” Lovejoy said. “We had our little issues, but we were quick to get over things. It was great working with her. I’m glad I had the opportunity to work with my sister. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.”
Mrs. LaValley was the wife of Raymond LaValley. The couple celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on April 12.
Her husband said Monday that they met after high school at a small country store in Farmington, N.H. She was a cashier and he had just been hired.
“We hit it right off,” her husband said. “I thought she was so beautiful. She was a very happy person. She loved to laugh. We had a pretty awesome life. We were a family. Every one of us stuck together.”
The couple raised two children. Daughter Jennifer Vincent said in an email Thursday that her mother was a strong and loving woman.
“She is my inspiration as a mom, wife and human being in general,” Vincent said.
Mrs. LaValley’s oldest daughter, Amy Tetreault, said her mother welcomed everyone into their home.
“She always made sure that everyone got whatever it was they wanted or needed,” Tetreault said in an email. “Her pure heart and kindness will be truly missed.”
Mrs. LaValley enjoyed family gatherings, baking and gardening. Her husband said they worked on projects together around the house, such as building stone walls or a flower garden.
“We weren’t just husband and wife — we were partners, best friends,” he said. “I’ll miss her smiling face.”
Mrs. LaValley was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer about a year ago. Her mother died of breast cancer about 20 years ago.
Lovejoy choked up Thursday afternoon while speaking about her sister’s grace and courage as she faced the disease.
“She was like a mother to me. I went to her with everything. I’ll miss her so much,” her sister said.
About a week ago, Mrs. LaValley was admitted to H.D. Goodall Hospital in Sanford. The night before she died, her husband sat at her bedside and held her hand until she fell asleep. Early the next morning, she passed away.
“She knew I was there,” he said. “She fought a long, hard battle. I’d love to talk to her again, but I can’t. It was a really long year, but she never gave up hope.”
Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:
mcreamer@pressherald.com
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