ROCKPORT — Valerie J. Winchenbach, 66, of Rockport passed away peacefully surrounded by family, after battling a longtime illness with ALS. She is now free.

Born in Rockland, February 22, 1958, she was the daughter of Edwin and Dorothy ‘Lorraine’ Katavolos Raye. She attended local schools and graduated from Rockland District High School in 1976.

After graduating, Valerie stayed local and went into the workforce and was a determined and strong leader in her profession at United Video Cable Vision and then Frontier Vision until the progression of her illness didn’t allow her to in 1999.

In her younger years Valerie enjoyed ruling the neighborhood. From playing cops and robbers to bicycle tag. She loved working with kids at the Rockland recreation center, going to the roller skate rink and attending the dances. Her passion in High School was color guard; from local parades to traveling to competitions. She loved the ocean, the color yellow, flowers, music, the spirit of Christmas and most of all her family and friends.

Valerie enjoyed talking for hours with anyone who wanted to chat at her home on Beech Hill. She made everyone feel welcome and loved.

Predeceased by her parents and her sister Nancy Cloutier; father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Marylin; and first husband, Fred Luce.

Valerie is survived by her husband of 41 years, David Kenneth Winchenbach; son, Josiah Winchenbach of Waldoboro; her daughter Carrie O’Hara and husband Casey of Rockport; her grandchildren, Hale and David Winchenbach, II, Kenneth and Aiden O’Hara; her sisters Tracy Cunningham and her husband Gene, Amy Raye; brothers, Sean Raye and his wife Lena, Eddy Raye Jr; brothers-in-law, Craig Winchenbach and his wife Tanya, Glenn Winchenbach and his wife Shelley, sister-in-law Marilyn MacDonald and husband Kirk; as well as many nieces and nephews, and a large loving extended family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A graveside service will be held Friday, June 28, at 2 p.m.., at The New Rockville Cemetery, 229 Rockland St. Rockport, with a celebration of life to follow.

To share a memory or condolence with the Winchenbach family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.