She believed in giving back, knitting bandages for those suffering from Hansen’s disease and donating handmade hats, scarves, and mittens to those in need.īesides her parents, Valerie is predeceased by her husband, John Bantis, her former husband, Norman Fortin, her companion Paul Gagnon, and her sisters, Alice Mitchell, and Irene Landry. She hosted many family gatherings and was always ready for parlor games or a game of cards. Known as the Family Hotline, she was eager to help with assorted baking or crafting questions. She was a handcrafter, knitting garments, and sewing beautiful quilts. She loved to read, to bake, and to work out all kinds of puzzles. Valerie was always on the go and liked to keep busy.

After Paul’s death in 2020, she moved back east to live with her son Craig and his family in Audubon, PA. In 2009, Valerie relocated to Arizona with her companion, Paul Gagnon, where she basked in the sunshine and in the company of good friends.

After her marriage to Norman, she married John Bantis and resided in Merrimack, NH until John’s death in 2006. While raising her family, she was employed at many well-known NH companies, including Sanders Associates, FasFax, and Sanmina, working in a wide range of occupations. Valerie was married to Norman Fortin in 1961 and resided in Nashua, NH.

She spent her childhood years in Hudson, NH and graduated from Alvirne High School in 1957. She was born in Nashua, NH on February 14, 1939, to Ralph and Antoinette Barrett. Valerie Bantis died suddenly on April 4, 2022.

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