Valerie M. Engstrume

April 6, 2022

Valerie M. Engstrume (Walsh), 66, of Wakefield, passed away at home on Wednesday April 6th, 2022, surrounded by her family. Valerie was born March 3rd, 1956 in Wakefield, the daughter of the late Edward and Charlotte (Gaudette) Walsh. Valerie was a graduate of Prout High School, Class of 1974. She was a CNA for many years and then received her associate degree in Travel and Tourism from the Sawyer School in Westerly. She worked at URI as a housekeeper for 11 years, until retiring in 2020 due to health reasons. Valerie was full of life and always quick to crack a joke or share a smile. She was “Ma Dukes” or “Momma Val” to so many “bonus kids” whom she loved as her own. She enjoyed traveling, mostly road trips with her devoted husband, any adventure her kids presented, spending time with her grandkids, music and the casino. Valerie leaves behind her husband, James Engstrume Jr. Four children James (Tia) Smith of Ashaway, Robert (Jeanne) Smith of Uncasville, CT, Nicole (Corey) St. Peter of Hopkinton and Jennifer (Charles) Burr of Wakefield. Four grandchildren Thomas Mittendorf, Shyann Churchill, Victoria Smith, Andrew Smith and one great granddaughter, Isabel. Three sisters Patricia (Anthony) Ciccone of Wakefield , Colleen (Richard) Hartley and Charlotte Walsh, of Hernando, FL. As well as many brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. A service will take place on Wednesday April 20th at 12:00 noon at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, RI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cancer Center at South County Hospital.