It is with great sadness that the family of Leona Philbrick Vallier, originally of Milford, is sharing that she passed away on May 11, 2024, in Gardner, Ma., after a long illness.

Born on September 28, 1940, Lee was the daughter of Walter and Lovica (Vi) Wright Philbrick of Milford, N.H. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Leo Vallier, her siblings Walter Jr. (Jimmy), Ronald, Joyce, and her son David Severns. She is survived by her sister Sandra Howard, sister-in-law Jeanie Philbrick, her son, Ronald Severns (Sherry), grandchildren Jaramiah (Anna) Severns, Valorie Severns, and Michael (Nora) Severns, great grandchildren Kaylee and Marissa Severns, and stepchildren Leo Vallier, Jr. (Tina), Gary Vallier and Denise Vallier Buchanan (Warren), their extended families and of course, her beloved Chichi who never left her side. Additionally, there are several nieces and nephews: James (Skip) Philbrick, Scott (Karen) Philbrick, Steven Philbrick, Ronald Philbrick, Jr., Laurie (Philbrick) Withee and a very special niece, Sharon (Philbrick) Tieger (Marc) who has cared for her faithfully for some time.

Lee was a force to be reckoned with from the time of her youth. In addition to being “whip smart”, she was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was fiercely loyal to all, extremely witty with great comebacks during a conversation, loads of fun to be with, always willing to try new things and activities, and best of all, had the ability to see through the “fluff” in a situation and get to the core of a problem. This led to her success in many different types of employment. After high school she began work at Southern New Hampshire Services where she stayed until the lure of Florida warmth beckoned her and her husband Leo. Beginning in Naples, Lee worked as a purchasing agent for Wilson Miller for many years. An opportunity arose for both of them to move to Winter Haven and manage a mobile home park, Orange Manor East. They did that for several years before truly retiring to Oakwood Estates, also in Winter Haven, for their remaining years together. Wherever she went, Lee made fast and forever friendships. Everyone loved being around her for her laughter and her joy in life. She maintained her curiosity and intellect throughout the many illnesses that were to follow. When it became evident that she could no longer remain alone in Florida, Sharon, along with Jaramiah, facilitated a move for her to an assisted living facility closer to many of the family. She appreciated seeing and interacting with all of them. Lee’s faith was strong, and the family is grateful that she is now at peace and has been able to join those who have gone before her.

A memorial service will be held for Lee on Saturday, June 15, at Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm St., Milford, NH at 2 PM. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com