UNION — Valerie Dawn Wood, 62, lovingly known as “Val” and “Nana”, passed away on June 13, 2024, at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Born on October 22, 1961, in Rockport, she was the daughter of Irving and Sharon (Johnson) Wright.

On January 1, 1980, she married the love of her life, Spence Wood, in Camden. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared many cherished memories.

A woman of many passions and hobbies, Valerie enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, knitting, fishing, and spending most mornings scratching off lottery tickets, drinking her coffee and doing wordsearch puzzles. Her true joy in life came from her grandchildren. Valerie loved nothing more than spending time with them and cherished their presence in her life.

Throughout her career, Valerie worked in various professions, including CNA, waitressing, cashier, and deli worker. She took pride in her work and was admired for her dedication and hard work.

Valerie’s proudest accomplishment was her triumph over Stage IV cervical cancer. Her strength and resilience inspired those around her and served as a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Valerie will be remembered for her caring nature, her sense of humor, and her boundless love for others. She always put the need of others before her own, and made a profound impact on the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Valerie leaves behind a legacy of love and family.

Surviving is her husband, Spencer Wood; her mother, Sharon Wright; three children, Jamie Wood, Tara Wood, and Matt Wood; nine beloved grandchildren, Gillian Wood, Eliza Wood, Garidyn Wood, Corbin Wood, Autumn Wood, Grace Weston, Cole Weston, Caiden Wood, Zander Wood, and Paislee Wood; and great-granddaughter, Hadley.

Also surviving are her two sisters, her mother, in-law, Annie Merrifield and her companion, Bob Newbert.

She was predeceased by her father, Irwin Wright; her oldest grandson, Tyler Wood; and two women she always looked up to and cherished, Gloria and her Aunt Sharon.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com.

A service will be announced in the future.

Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.