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Valarie Giarrusso Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Apr. 11 to Apr. 18, 2023.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and friend: Valarie Giarrusso. She was a kind-hearted and loving woman who touched the lives of many with her dedication and kindness to her family, friends and the community.

Valarie was born on January 26, 1957 in Newton, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Howard and Barbara Hathaway, and loved growing up with her siblings Susan, Ron and Tim. She was a devoted wife to her husband Michael and loving mother to their four sons Michael John, Nicholas, Alexander and Marcus whom she loved deeply. Her love and support for them was unwavering.

In her early years, Valarie joined the Army Reserves. Through hard work she attained the rank of Sergeant. Valarie's hard work was duly recognized and she received commendations from her superiors. She received an Honorable Discharge in 1987. In 1984 Valarie worked on the President's re-election campaign. Her commitment and dedication while working with the Secret Service Advance Team resulted in an impromptu invitation to board Air Force One to meet and be photographed with President Reagan. Her photograph with the president was a treasured possession.

After her time in the army, she focused on her family and pursued her passion for gardening professionally. Her love for nature and flowers especially made her a successful and well-respected gardener.

Valarie was a proud grandmother to her beloved grandson, Michael John Jr. Her face would light up every time she saw him. She loved spending time with him and always treasured her time babysitting.

Valarie is survived by her husband Michael, her sons Michael John, Nicholas, Alexander and Marcus: her mother Barbara Hathaway, her sister Susan O'Brien, her brother Tim Hathaway and his wife Sandee, brothers Steven Hathaway, Eric Hathaway and sister Julie (Hathaway) O'Neil-Dunne, our dear friend Austin Walker along with various nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father Howard Hathaway and brother Ron Hathaway. Valarie will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her strong love for her family and friends and her dedication to her community. She touched the lives of many, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

May she rest in peace.

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Recent Activity

January 20, 2026

Patty Scanlon posted to the memorial.

April 5, 2024

Patricia Scanlon posted to the memorial.

March 3, 2024

Hope Warnock posted to the memorial.

119 Entries

Patty Scanlon

January 20, 2026

I love you, Valarie! Happy Birthday to you! I miss you every day and your magic, charisma and kindness are always held dearly in my heart. Love you, Cousin! And will always treasure our times together!

Patricia Scanlon

April 5, 2024

Thinking of you beautiful Valarie...so many beautiful memories of holidays and vacations spent laughing, playing and admiring you! Love you forever. Your cousin, Patty

Hope Warnock

March 3, 2024

I think about you every day. Valarie was one of my dearest friends. We went all through school together, beginning in kindergarten. She was one of the girls you would want to have as a best friend. She was funny, kind, caring and so very thoughtful. My best memories are the ones we made together. I know she is looking down and smiling. I know we will meet again. Love always to you Val!

Patty Scanlon

August 2, 2023

MJ, Thank you for sharing these gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous photos of your Mom and family. Truly special. I love seeing them so much. My heart goes out to you. Love to you and your family. Love and more love, Patty

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August 1, 2023

Patty Scanlon

July 26, 2023

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Valarie... Thank you for sharing these amazing photos of your amazing Mom, MJ. Love to you all. Cousin Patty

July 25, 2023

Patricia Scanlon

July 25, 2023

MJ, Sending love to you all! Thank you for posting these beautiful photos of Valarie and everyone together. They are beyond gorgeous! Your Mom lights up every one of them like a sparkler on the 4th of July. That's how I felt when I was around her. Valarie's sparkle, kindness and enormous heart made the world a better place and always will. One of my first heroes. I've always loved and looked up to you, Val. Love and more love to you all, Cousin Patty P.S. And know that you all contain that sparkle, kindness and enormous hearts as well. Sending hugs to you all from afar.

July 24, 2023

Mom

July 21, 2023

Our annual adventure to Stonewall Kitchen, Lunch at the Cliff House or at Jackie´s in Perkins Cove, then a walk around Ogunquit, afternoon pick-me-up at Carpe Diem, and just maybe we´ll stop on the way home for ICE CREAM !!
We enjoyed this day with our friend Linda also.

patricia scanlon

July 20, 2023

Awww, Valarie...I'm loving seeing these photos of you. I miss you and I love you! So many memories of holidays, cookouts and when you joined us on vacation. Thank you, MJ for posting these gorgeous photos. Love to you all. Cousin, Patty

July 19, 2023

May 23, 2023

Niamh Hughes

May 18, 2023

I was very sad to hear of Valarie´s passing. I remember fondly the many evenings we spent at the Yellow House in Lawrence playing with the young children in the Playspace there. They loved her.

May 10, 2023

Terry Leppala, Community TV volunteer

April 19, 2023

I volunteer at the Methuen Community TV Station, and that is where I met Valarie. We had some chuckles together, and I so enjoyed her company while working on TV productions. She was a joy to be around, and surely will be missed. Prayers for her and her family members...such a loss.

Anthony and Varda Giarrusso

April 18, 2023

The death of Valarie Giarrusso has left a large hole in our lives. She was a wonderful mother, wife, aunt, and sister-in-law. We will always keep her in our thoughts and remind her grandson all about her as he grows up. She put her family first and had strong relationships with everyone. We miss you, but we know you are in a better place and are no longer in pain. She fought her illness bravely. Rest in peace. Anthony and Varda

Ginny Freeman Cohen

April 17, 2023

Wonderful childhood memories of Valarie. She was such a good friend with a great imagination.
Sending condolences to her family.
Ginny Freeman Cohen

Nina Foote

April 16, 2023

Can´t believe you aren´t here anymore. So many things remind me of you. I will miss you so much Auntie Val, thanks for always having my back

Patty Scanlon

April 13, 2023

A memory I hold very dear to my heart, and would bring up with Valarie on her birthday, is when we when she joined our family for vacation one summer in Maine. We shared a room. Valarie had the top bunk and I had the bottom. I remember thinking how "cool" I was sharing a room with my gorgeous cousin. I wanted to be just like her and couldn't take my eyes off of her - as she lit up any room she was in - everything just seemed a little brighter and a little more magical when she was around. Her laugh, her twinkling eyes, her kindness. When it was time for her to leave to go back home, I remember begging her to stay. Valarie made me feel special, loved and like the world contained so much magic. She will forever be in my heart. The last time I saw Valarie in person was when visiting my Mom a number of years ago. Meart sang and my stomach got that "little flip" when seeing my beautiful, cool, cousin again. Those eyes, that kindness, that magic. Love you, Valarie. Always will. My heart goes out to your beautiful, amazing, family. Your cousin and admirer, Patty

Susan

April 13, 2023

Susan

April 13, 2023

Susan

April 13, 2023

Susan

April 13, 2023

Susan

April 13, 2023

Susan

April 13, 2023

April 12, 2023

Mimi

April 11, 2023

My Dear Valarie, I miss you everyday. It is so difficult to fathom that we´ll have no more movies, lunches, day trips, looong talks, Starbucks, hugs, smiles, tears. I´m planting a garden for you which will contain a French Lilac , which is your favorite flower.
Rest well my sweet girl,
Love "Mom"

Susan

April 11, 2023

This is my baby sister. Val was a wonderful sister and the most caring person I have ever met. We have lost a very bright star.