Valerie Emma McLeod

Valerie E. McLeod, 82, of Milford, NH, passed away Monday, June 19th, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Medford, MA on April 4th, 1935, the daughter of Waldemar J. and Emma Linnea Swendsen.

Valerie grew up in Medford and worked at the State Street Bank and Trust Co. in Boston before moving to Hancock, NH as a young woman. She and her loving husband Donald W. McLeod owned and operated McLeod Bros. Orchards in Milford for many years. She was the manager of the farm stand where she particularly enjoyed working with the many young people who worked at the stand and on the farm. Since Donald’s passing in 1991 she has operated the farm with the help of her two daughters. Though she was born in the city, she loved the land she lived on in Milford for over 50 years, making sure that it remained a farm and working diligently as a steward of the property.

Valerie had a true passion for cooking. At one time she was a recipe tester for a series of Yankee Magazine cookbooks. Apple pies were one of her specialties and she could make a gourmet meal out anything that happened to be in season or in the fridge.

Valerie also loved the beach at Biddeford Pool in Maine where she spent her summer vacations every year with her family. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren will never forget the important life-lessons “Nana” taught them.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald W. McLeod.

Her family includes two daughters, Kristine Mossey and her husband Richard Mossey of Milford, Rebecca McLeod and her husband Ron Budway of Milford; grandchildren, Derek Mossey of Denver, Ashley Mossey of Middlebury, VT, Emmalene Budway of Milford; nieces and nephews; and her sister-in-law, Joan Tierney of Wilton, NH.

Calling hours are on Friday, June 23rd from 6:00-8:00pm in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 9:00am in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Abbot Hill Road, Wilton. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston (www.dana-farber.org/How-to-Help.aspx), or Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.