Obituary for Sandra Jean Valera (Gagne)
Sandra Valera (Gagne), 76, resident of Saco, Maine passed away peacefully at her daughter’s
house in North Berwick, Maine on August 31, 2022.
Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on February 15, 1946 to Bernard Gagne and Rose Gagne
(Wheaton), Sandra was a true lifelong New Englander. Living in central Massachusetts with her
beloved husband Samuel, devoted to raising her children Marci and Jason, she loved being part
of two large families - the Gagnes and the Valeras. Always ready to entertain and dote over
others, Sandy’s focus on others’ joy was contagious and endearing.
Moving to Sydney, Maine in 1994, Sandy and Sam opened their door to all, happy to share
homegrown vegetables, Sandy’s relishes, and any new dish she wanted to try from the latest
edition of “Cooking Light.” Sandra’s positive energy attracted a diversity of friends and
companions into her life.
Sandy loved nature, birds, gardening, walking, cooking, traveling, and befriending rescued pets.
She felt incredibly fortunate to live in many homes and apartments near lakes, the Saco river
and the ocean.
Outside of nature, she found more joy when she was in service to friends, family, and people in
need. She volunteered at the Cancer Center with her therapy dog Rootie as well as provided
support to people in crisis in the hospital.
Her professional life, rich and varied, was an extension of her personal life. She worked as an
executive assistant, owned a restaurant, and was employed with LL Bean. All her endeavors
were based on social, interpersonal connections.
Her family was blessed to have her as a mother, mother in-law, memere, sister, sister in-law,
wife, and aunt. Her former husband Samuel Valera, who passed away in 2016, remained a
lifelong friend and partner; their devotion to each other was, and is still, enduring. She was rich
with friends and family who so admired her strength and zest for life.
Sandra fought a valiant battle with breast cancer for 18 years, most of which was a manageable
disease. The family is incredibly grateful for the excellent medical care she received.
Sandra is survived by her loving daughter Marci Dionne, her husband Peter Dionne;
grandaughters Rheann and Rose Dionne; Rose’s new husband Zachary Cashman; Sandra’s
son Jason Valera, his wife Colleen; grandson Gino and granddaughter Gianna and Gianna’s
new husband Joseph Mugisha. Sandra leaves two devoted sisters Betty Gagne-Iuele and Diane
Coffin as well as in-laws from the Valera family: Constance Penning; Sally Pyne; Kathy
Frederickson; Kenneth Valera, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sandra will be dearly missed. The people fortunate enough to have been touched by her love,
strength, and wisdom will carry her in their hearts forever. A celebration of life will be held at a
later date with friends and family.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Sandra’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 62 Cemetery Road, Berwick, ME 03901. www.bibberfuneral.com
house in North Berwick, Maine on August 31, 2022.
Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on February 15, 1946 to Bernard Gagne and Rose Gagne
(Wheaton), Sandra was a true lifelong New Englander. Living in central Massachusetts with her
beloved husband Samuel, devoted to raising her children Marci and Jason, she loved being part
of two large families - the Gagnes and the Valeras. Always ready to entertain and dote over
others, Sandy’s focus on others’ joy was contagious and endearing.
Moving to Sydney, Maine in 1994, Sandy and Sam opened their door to all, happy to share
homegrown vegetables, Sandy’s relishes, and any new dish she wanted to try from the latest
edition of “Cooking Light.” Sandra’s positive energy attracted a diversity of friends and
companions into her life.
Sandy loved nature, birds, gardening, walking, cooking, traveling, and befriending rescued pets.
She felt incredibly fortunate to live in many homes and apartments near lakes, the Saco river
and the ocean.
Outside of nature, she found more joy when she was in service to friends, family, and people in
need. She volunteered at the Cancer Center with her therapy dog Rootie as well as provided
support to people in crisis in the hospital.
Her professional life, rich and varied, was an extension of her personal life. She worked as an
executive assistant, owned a restaurant, and was employed with LL Bean. All her endeavors
were based on social, interpersonal connections.
Her family was blessed to have her as a mother, mother in-law, memere, sister, sister in-law,
wife, and aunt. Her former husband Samuel Valera, who passed away in 2016, remained a
lifelong friend and partner; their devotion to each other was, and is still, enduring. She was rich
with friends and family who so admired her strength and zest for life.
Sandra fought a valiant battle with breast cancer for 18 years, most of which was a manageable
disease. The family is incredibly grateful for the excellent medical care she received.
Sandra is survived by her loving daughter Marci Dionne, her husband Peter Dionne;
grandaughters Rheann and Rose Dionne; Rose’s new husband Zachary Cashman; Sandra’s
son Jason Valera, his wife Colleen; grandson Gino and granddaughter Gianna and Gianna’s
new husband Joseph Mugisha. Sandra leaves two devoted sisters Betty Gagne-Iuele and Diane
Coffin as well as in-laws from the Valera family: Constance Penning; Sally Pyne; Kathy
Frederickson; Kenneth Valera, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sandra will be dearly missed. The people fortunate enough to have been touched by her love,
strength, and wisdom will carry her in their hearts forever. A celebration of life will be held at a
later date with friends and family.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Sandra’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 62 Cemetery Road, Berwick, ME 03901. www.bibberfuneral.com