BAILEY ISLAND — Valerie Vreeland Kezer, 83, died Aug. 20, 2014, at the family home.

She was sitting on the porch, looking out on a cloudless Maine day and the sparkling water of Casco Bay when she was stricken with a fatal heart attack. Schooled in Caldwell, NJ, she attended the Parson School of Design in New York City. Forced by circumstances to support herself at any early age she was hired by Time, Inc. first as a page and later, because of her artistic abilities and her presentation skills, she worked in the promotion department of Life magazine.

She was married on Jan. 30, 1954, and lived in Athens, GA, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Shrewsbury, NJ, and finally, Brunswick, ME. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Richard, and four daughters: Sandra, Allison, Gail and Ann. A fifth daughter, Leslie, died of leukemia at age 10. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brian, Carolyn, Tom, Scott, Duncan, Allison, Jasper, Olivia, Oliver, Meg and John who each loved their Nana as she loved them.

Because of two back operations several years ago her mobility was limited but, as with other challenges in her life, she rose above the challenge and brought joy and kindness into many lives. She loved to read, cook, travel the world, follow the successes of family members and stay in touch with old friends. Fittingly, when she died she was browsing through a copy of The Flavor of Maine looking for a recipe for dinner.

Her passing leaves an enormous void in the lives of every member of her family and all her friends. No one who knew her could help but recall her smile, her sense of humor, her wisdom, her compassion and her good advice on matters large and small.

A memorial service will be private. Donations in Valerie’s memory may be made to Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with lifethreatening illnesses and their families, 35 Acadia Road, Casco Bay, ME 04015 or the Curtis Memorial Library, 23 Pleasant St., Brunswick, ME 04011.