Obituaries

Valerie Helen Thompson

Valerie Helen (Borawa) Thompson passed away Aug. 8, 2013. She valiantly struggled with multiple health issues over the last 18 months, finally succumbing to cancer. During this time she was assisted in daily living and comforted in her afflictions by her two devoted friends, Tina and Julie.

Valerie was born June 16, 1927, in Riverhead, the youngest child of Andrew Stanley Borawa and Wanda Choinska. She graduated from Riverhead High School and briefly attended art school.

She married Kenneth Thompson on July 23, 1964; thereafter, they made their home in the Houston, Texas, area. Valerie was a talented artist and an expert at crochet. Her family and friends enjoy the many crocheted items she made as gifts for them.

As family historian, she delighted in working on the genealogy of her parents, who both immigrated to America from Poland as young adults. In the 1960s, she and her mother traveled to Poland to visit family members and Wanda’s family home in Kalinowka Basie.

Over the years, Valerie was dedicated to lovingly caring for many abandoned felines. This devotion began when, as a young girl, she would dress the family’s pet cats in doll clothes and push them around in a baby carriage.

Valerie was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth, and her siblings, Frank, Sophie and Chester. She is survived by two nephews, James (Martha) Borawa and Charles (Barbara) Borawa; two nieces, Kathleen (George) Maylin and Joyce (John) Sharifi: three great-nieces; two great-nephews; one great-great nephew; one great-great niece; and many cousins.

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, Aug. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Isidore R.C. Church. Valerie’s final resting place will be in the family plot at St. Isidore R.C. Cemetery in Riverhead.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Valerie’s memory to the American Cancer Society or your local cat rescue/adoption organization.

This is a paid notice.