Hudson – Kerin A. (Valente) Gibbs, beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, cousin, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully June 16, 2019 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester, surrounded by her family, after a courageous 8-year battle with breast cancer, at the age of 54.
She will be dearly missed by her adoring family, husband of 21 years,William W. Gibbs and their two children, Victoria Ann Gibbs (18) and Jonathan Edward Gibbs (17). She is also survived by her mother, Helen L. Valente of Middleboro; five siblings, Cosmo P. Valente and his wife Roxanne of Cape Coral, Fla., William L. Valente of Bokeelia, Fla., Jacklyn M. Brown and her husband Ronald of Lakeville, Shari J. Valente of Waltham, and Larayne H. Boaz and her husband Todd of Yorba Linda, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews, and very special cousins. She was predeceased by her father, Pompee P. Valente of Waltham.
Kerin was born July 2, 1964 in Waltham, where she was raised and graduated from Waltham High School, class of 1982. She went on to earn her accounting certificate from Bentley College and subsequently began a long and successful career in finance, working for many agencies within the Department of Defense, to include the Army Corps of Engineers and Natick Labs. She especially loved her deployments in support of various natural disasters.
Kerry was always available to mentor co-workers and family and to support and fight hard for those in need. Kerin first settled in Hudson with her husband Bill in 2001, after living the nomadic lifestyle of a military family while Bill honorably served his Nation.
Kerin’s home away from home was “camp.” St. Laurent Campers Association in Royalston is where she spent her summers since childhood and as often as she could as an adult. She enjoyed being their treasurer and planning/running special events for the members. You could always find her sitting and visiting with friends and family around a campfire or at the beach.
She had great passion for her beloved Red Sox and Pats, loved to teach, and then challenge everyone, in Cribbage (just like her Dad), and visit and spend time with her extended family. She loved traveling, cruising, and going to Disney. Above all else, Kerin loved to spend time with her two children. She adored and cherished them – they were her pride and joy.
Kerry had a very compassionate heart. She always made herself available to those in need, whether by prayer or action. Her sharp wit and contagious laugh always came through no matter the situation. She was the epitome of strength and resilience, extremely loyal, forgiving, understanding and loved deeply.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation Tuesday, July 2, from 1-3 p.m., at the TIGHE HAMILTON REGIONAL FUNERAL HOME, 50 Central St., Hudson, immediately followed by a short prayer and memorial service. A celebration of Kerry’s life will commence at 4 p.m. at the Portuguese Club, 13 Port St, Hudson. To celebrate her heavenly birthday please feel free to wear your favorite sports or Disney attire to the hall. Burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family humbly asks to honor Kerin by sending donations in her memory directly to The Gifford School, 177 Boston Post Rd., Weston, MA 02493, 781-899-9500, www.gifford.org.
