In honour of my stepmother’s passing—affectionately known as my bonus mom—Foodie with Family will remain quiet for the rest of this week. In the spirit of Val, I’ll return next week to share more. Below is the obituary my siblings, father, and I wrote together.
On Saturday, December 22nd—her favorite day of the year—Valerie peacefully concluded her struggle with cancer, surrounded by the love of her family. Her passing reflected the gentle and calm presence she carried throughout her life.
Valerie Lynn Mills Daly was born August 4, 1955, in Oneonta, New York, to Earl and Dawn Mills. She grew up as the eldest of four siblings in Baldwinsville, where she graduated from high school. She attended Houghton College, studying theology while raising her two eldest children, Nathaniel Earl Thach and Christina Khemasanine Thach.
In 1992, Valerie married James Daly, and the family grew to include Rebecca, Jessamine, and Luke Daly. Together Valerie and James ran Camp Asbury United Methodist Church Camp in Silver Lake, New York, where they raised their children and welcomed grandchildren. Later they moved to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where Valerie continued her work with the United Methodist Church. Every early autumn they returned to the Upper Peninsula with their dog Ginger, camping along the shores of Lake Superior—places they had come to love. The first time Valerie crossed the Mackinac Bridge she said, “I think I just came home.” When Jim accepted a position as Camp Manager at Camp Michigamme, they made the Upper Peninsula their permanent home. Their house on the Peshekee River became a cherished gathering place for siblings, children, and grandchildren.
Valerie dedicated her life to serving others and had a deep, restless curiosity for literature, science, and learning. Her home held a rotating collection of thousands of books, many of which have since been donated to local libraries in New York and Michigan. She passed her love of learning to her children—Nathaniel has taught in South Korea and Christina works as a librarian in Richmond, Virginia. Valerie had a remarkable talent for making people feel seen and loved; friends and family often gathered at her table for long conversations over soup, muffins, and tea. Her laughter was warm and contagious, and her singing—whether in church or quietly while working in the kitchen—was always comforting. She delighted in wordplay; her puns were legendary. Valerie also extended her generosity beyond her immediate circle by supporting entrepreneurs through Kiva microloans in countries such as Cambodia and Armenia.
Valerie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2009. Throughout her journey she benefited from the steadfast care and compassion of many friends, family members, and medical professionals. The family is deeply grateful for the support and care she received.
Valerie Lynn Mills Daly is survived by her husband, James Daly; her children Nathaniel (Sun Hwa) Thach, Christina (Kevin Thrasher) Thach, Rebecca (Dan) Lindamood, Jessamine (Jeremy) Daly-Griffen, and Luke (Elizabeth Giovino) Daly; her parents Earl and Dawn Mills; and her siblings Michael Mills, Marcia Mills, and Gerri Jalosky. She is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and by her grandchildren Liam, Aidan, Ty, Leif, Rowan, Willow, Ezra, Hazel, and Penelope.
In lieu of flowers, Valerie suggested memorial gifts to the Central Upper Peninsula Food Bank, 1710 Ash, Ishpeming, MI 49849, 906-485-4988. She also recommended Kiva as a way to support women starting businesses around the world—one of the causes closest to her heart.