GORHAM – Valerie Scanlon, 88, passed away on May 29, 2024, in Gorham, after a short illness. Val was born Sept. 23, 1935, in Boston, to parents Thomas Calhoun and Mary Calhoun (Donahue). She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1953, then from Pierce Secretarial School of Boston in 1955.

Val worked at the American Heart Association and Avco Corporation in the greater Boston area, marrying Francis C. Scanlon in 1960 and settling in Bellingham, Mass. Val and Frank had two children, Shaun F. Scanlon of Auburn, Maine and Kelly D. Marsh (husband Shawn) of Poland, Maine. Val was widowed in 1977 and moved her family to Maine in 1981. She worked at the State of Maine Infant Development Center in South Portland for many years, retiring in 1996.

Val was a very patriotic woman who loved to attend parades. She especially enjoyed Memorial Day parades and showed her respect for veterans by clapping and waving a small American flag as they marched along. She was also a New England Patriots fan and could be found watching her favorite team every time they played.

Val was an avid reader and especially loved buying the latest Robert B. Parker Spencer hardcover. She also enjoyed Broadway shows, especially musicals, with Camelot ranking as her favorite. She was very happy whenever she could spend time near the ocean. She would sit in a beach chair with her bare feet in the sand watching the waves crashing against the shore.

She is predeceased by her parents, her brother David Calhoun, and her husband Frank Scanlon. Val is survived by her children, Shaun and Kelly; her sister Linda Szadis and husband George of Winthrop; her grandchildren, Devin Marsh of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Daniel Marsh of Mobile, Alabama; her niece Andrea Mishou of Augusta; and her nephew Corey Szadis of Middleboro, Mass. (wife Kristen).

In accordance to Val’s wishes, there will be a private family celebration of life.

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