Valerie "Val" LaFlamme McKiniry

Valerie “Val” LaFlamme McKiniry, 85, passed away on August 23, 2012 with her family at her side. She was born in Waterville, ME and was the daughter of Gertrude Roy LaFlamme. Val’s brothers, Reginald and Bernard LaFlamme and sister Olive LaFlamme were very dear and had predeceased her in their hometown in Maine.

Val attended the University of Maine in Farmington and worked in advertising at the Waterville Sentinel News. She loved her home state, snow, and skiing the slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain. She was an avid tennis player and fan. Val took pilot flying lessons, only to be grounded by her mother. Val married her husband Bob in 1951 and moved to Jacksonville Beach, FL in 1952. For 25 years, she helped her good friend, Clara Jensen at Pete’s Bar. An avid GA fan, she looked forward to football season. In recent years, she has enjoyed the company of friends at the American Legion in Jacksonville Beach.

Val was the best mom to her only son, a devoted wife, and a steadfast friend and caregiver to many. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert “Bob” McKiniry; son, Paul McKiniry and his wife Cath Lee; grandson, Joseph Sugden; extended family of the Newmans: David, Shirley and her lifelong friend, Mary Newman. In Maine, all of her dear nephews Ron, Fran and Mike Gregory, Carl and Carrol LaFlamme and their wives and families; Edward Bourgoin.

The family will receive friends from 3-4pm Tuesday, August 28 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach. Val’s celebration of life will follow at 4pm, also at Hardage-Giddens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to American Legion Auxiliary Post #129, 1151 S. 4th St. Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, or Jacksonville Humane Society, 8328 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32246