Wednesday, July 3, 1940 – Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024
Shrewsbury – Valerie J. “Val” (Blackett) Gannon, 84, a lifelong resident of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Saint Vincent Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Val leaves behind her devoted husband of 64 years, John F. Gannon, and their cherished family: her sons, Jeffrey S. Gannon and his wife Janet of Chatham, Michael J. Gannon and his wife Kristin Nicastro-Gannon of Burbank, CA, and Peter S. Gannon of Shrewsbury; her adored grandchildren, Abigail, Matthew, Grace and Zachary Gannon; and her loving sisters, Patricia Gannon and her husband Lawrence of Shrewsbury, and Eileen Dorrington and her husband Ted of Wethersfield, CT; and her brother-in-law, Stephen T. Gannon and his wife Betty, of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Val was predeceased by her parents, John S. Blackett and Constance (Lundgren) Blackett, and a nephew, Edward E. Gannon.
Born in Worcester, Val grew up in Shrewsbury, where she graduated from Major Howard W. Beal High School. She pursued her passion for caring for others by earning her Registered Nurse credentials at the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. On July 2, 1960, Val married John, one day before her 20th birthday, marking the beginning of a beautiful life together.
Val dedicated over 25 years to working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Memorial Hospital, providing compassionate care to the tiniest of patients. After retiring, she continued her commitment to helping others as a volunteer at St. Anne’s Church Free Medical Clinic.
An active and vibrant member of her community, Val took great joy in her membership with the Shrewsbury Garden Club, where her love for flowers truly blossomed. She was an avid walker, swimmer, and aspiring piano player who appreciated all genres of music. Val and John also shared a love of travel, cherishing their opportunities to explore the world together.
Above all, Val was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She found her greatest happiness in being with her family and especially treasured attending her grandchildren’s sports and activities over the years. Her warmth, kindness, and boundless love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UMass Memorial Heath Children’s Medical Center at [email protected] or by calling 774-443-GIVE (4483).
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Val’s life during visiting hours on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. A funeral Mass will immediately follow at 12:30 PM at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will take place at a later date.
