Barbara M. LaValley

Auburn--Barbara M. LaValley died Monday, November 15th after a long battle with cancer and dementia. Her passing was just shy of her 91st birthday, as Barbara was born in New Gloucester, Maine on November 21st, 1930. She was the second oldest child of five children born to Chester and Adeline May. She graduated from New Gloucester High School in 1949. 

A hard worker starting at the age of 16, she worked for several telephone companies until she retired in 1995--a career during which she made many lifelong friendships she spoke fondly of for many years to come. In March of 1962, she married the love of her life, Leeward LaValley, and together, they raised three children, Pamela, Garner, and Kevin in their home in Auburn. He sang the country music she loved so much, and always promised to “kiss an angel good mornin’, and love her like the devil when you get back home”. He tragically predeceased her in September of 1987 after 25 years of marriage.

Barbara was a fierce and outspoken woman who loved her family very much and devoted all of her life to love each one of her children, grandchildren, and family members, deeply and generously. There was not enough yarn in the world to cover the number of things she wanted to knit. She loved to travel with her brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Darlene LaValley, in upstate New York. Not a weekend went by when Barbara did not know the flavor of the day at her favorite frozen custard spot, Hodgman’s in New Gloucester, where she took her grandchildren frequently as they grew up. Memorably, she always kept a quart in the fridge for when the grandkids got out of school. 

She is survived by her siblings, Madeline Doughty, Melvin May, Benjamin May, Margaret Litrocapes, and her husband, George. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Le and her husband, Richard of Fort Myers, Florida; Garner LaValley and his wife Patricia of Minot; and Kevin LaValley of Auburn. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Joshua Le and fiance, Gwen of Hampstead, NC; Matthew Le and wife, Allison of Wells, Maine; Lindsey Gervais and husband, Jeremy of Vernon, Connecticut; Mindy LaValley of Auburn; Garner Jr. LaValley of Auburn; Jason LaValley of Minot; and Mitch LaValley of Lewiston. Barbara is also survived by her thirteen great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

She is predeceased by her parents Chester and Adeline May, as well as her beloved husband, Leeward LaValley. 

Her family extends their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their care and attention during her final months of life. Barbara will always be remembered for her generous and warm spirit, and she will be missed dearly by many. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara M. LaValley, please visit our floral store.