Margaret Valery, 97, entered into rest peacefully on August 8, 2019 at Niagara Hospice. Margaret was a true matriarch in every sense. She was the anchor of her family through happy and hard times, and she was fondly known as “Aunt Margaret” or “Gram” to anyone who entered her kitchen. She lovingly cooked family dinners every Sunday for her family and friends, and you could always smell tomato sauce and garlic wafting through her front porch door.
Margaret worked at Harrison Radiator in Lockport for 28 years. She enjoyed her retirement, and she stayed in her home independently until her last days. She was an avid gardener keeping her yard as neat as a pin until she could no longer weed whack her way out of the backyard. She enjoyed playing Bingo and always delighted in a day trip to the casino with old friends. She was most happy when she won.
Born to Lena and John Solotes in 1921, Margaret’s family owned and operated the Lockport Broom Company located on Akron Street in Lockport for decades. Margaret married Anthony Valery in 1948, and they had four children: Michael Valery (deceased), Elizabeth (Ron) DeFilippo, Louis Valery, and Anita Valery. She is survived by her beloved grandchildren: Lauren DeFilippo, Allison (Kyle) Kelley, Michael Brown, and Mitchell and Megan Valery. She is also survived by her loving niece and nephew, Denise and Dan Wolfe. She leaves many other nieces and nephews, including their children, as well as her caregiver Tammy Gauthier, who she grew very close to in the last two years of her life.
The center of her life was her family, and she was the heart and soul of all those she leaves behind.
Friends may call on Sunday August 11th 1-5 PM at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday August 12th at 10 AM at All Saints Parish Oratory, 391 Market Street, Lockport. Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery. Memorials to Niagara Hospice would be appreciated by the family. Online Condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com.
