Grafton – Valerie Blanchard MacKoul (maiden name Stitt, of Auburn), died peacefully Jan. 17, 2019 in her home in Grafton, where she and her husband raised their family.
She leaves a husband of 52 years, Richard MacKoul; a daughter, Corrina MacKoul; a son, Jesse Mackoul, daughter-in-law Brenda MacKoul and grandson Tyler MacKoul; and a brother, Vernon Stitt. She was a direct descendant of Luther Blanchard, who was a fifer and the first soldier shot in the Revolutionary War in Concord.
Valerie received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree as a Textile Design major in 1969 from UMass Dartmouth. She was an accomplished artist and photographer, and her creative eye shone through in all that she did. She designed and built most of the interior elements in our family’s historic 1732 home in Grafton, including finish carpentry such as handplaning beaded and shiplap boards as authentic restorations.
She helped run the family business, MacKoul’s Carsin North Grafton.
Valerie and Richard ran PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) of Worcester for nine years, helping LGBT individuals and families. Her favorite activities were gardening, reading, birdwatching, nature photography, and trips to the beach. Her family loves her very much, and she will always be close in our hearts.
All are welcome to gather with Valerie’s family Wednesday, Jan. 23, from 4-7 p.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Valerie with a donation to The Grafton Food Bank, PO Box 324, Grafton, MA 01519.
A Book of Memories to share a memory or message of sympathy with Valerie’s family is available online at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
