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Dorothy Valerie (Val) Houck
Dorothy Valerie Strong Houck, best known as Val, born March 23, 1943, slipped peacefully from this life and into Heaven early in the morning on January 22, 2012. She fought long through the difficult roller coaster ride with appendix cancer. Her parents, Sam and Pieny Strong, her dear brothers, Donald and Hoot, and her in-laws Alvin and Jean Houck predeceased her. Valerie is survived by her loving husband and devoted caregiver, Robert Houck, her daughter Kristin (Ronald Smith), and her other children, Jeff (Stephanie), Kim Olmsted (Paul), and Dan (Jan). Holding Val close in their hearts are her sisters, Jean Ahart (Alan), and Nancy Ward (Lynn Johnson), and her adored brother Douglas Strong. Val will be remembered by her grandchildren Rachel and Sarah Olmsted, Gregg Houck and Rhiannon (Josh) Orendorff, Madelyn and Nicholas Houck, Aaron Smith, and Baby Smith, expected in May. Val had three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Abigail, and Emma. Additionally, Val is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom she loved dearly, as well as her sisters-in-law, Diane and Marie Strong. Val will also be held in the memories of her numerous friends, and we are grateful for their support during these past few years of her life’s journey, particularly the McGavin family. Val was especially involved in, and was a life member of the Candor American Legion Auxiliary, and also belonged to the Candor Four Wheelers. Val worked for 42 years as a dental hygienist, and was fond of the many patients she served during her career. When we think of Val, we will remember her love and devotion to her family and friends, as well as her sense of humor and slightly mischievous streak. One of Val’s greatest joys was the time she spent at her cabin, amongst the beauty of God’s creation. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, January 25, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, Candor. A memorial service for Val will be the following day, Thursday, January 26, at 11:00, also at the funeral home, with interment immediately following at theMaple Grove Cemetery. Although Val was involved in numerous organizations, the family requests that memorial donations be sent to Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850-9403 or www.hospicare.org/ We extend our sincere gratitude for the loving care shown to Val and her family while she was a resident there, and send our special thanks to Lisa and Tina and all of the staff for everything they have done for Val and for us.
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