SOUTH PORTLAND — Valerie Loveitt Farrell, 95, died May 6 at home with her family.

She was born in South Portland on Dec. 11, 1919, the daughter of Bessie P. and Burleigh W. Loveitt.

A graduate of South Portland High School, she went on to earn a degree from Gorham Normal School, now the University of Southern Maine.

During World War II, she taught primary grades in Gray, Norridgewock and the Redbank neighborhood of South Portland. After initially retiring, she returned to work as a full-time substitute teacher in the South Portland school system.

Farrell was an active and longtime member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth, and a member of the church’s Altar Guild. She was also a member of the Purpoodock Club Bowling League and of the Women’s Financial Club of Greater Portland.

She loved her home and family life, and was a proud and grateful 40-year survivor of breast cancer.

Valerie was predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Farrell, in 1995, after 53 years of marriage. She also was predeceased by her brother, Burleigh P. Loveitt, of Gorham, and an infant son, Robert.

Surviving her are a son, James R. Farrell, and wife, Jane, of Gilford, New Hampshire; a daughter, Linda F. McCormack, of South Portland; grandchildren, Brian Scott Farrell and wife, Sandy Chadwick, of Gilford, New Hampshire, Leah Valerie Szumita and husband, Paul, of Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Kelly McCormack Busque, of Buxton; and five great-grandchildren, Devin Scott Farrell, Mack Robert Szumita, Kinsley Valerie Busque, Maeve Valerie Szumita and Mitchell John Busque.

A memorial service was held May 13 at St. Alban’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, 279 River Road, South Windham, ME 04062.

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