June 3, 1971 – November 6, 2021
Valerie grew up in Malden, Massachusetts. She graduated from Pope John XXIII High School in Everett in 1989. After graduating she attended Youville Hospital School of Nursing in Cambridge to become a nurse. She began practicing as a registered nurse, eventually falling on hard times. On January 9, 2019, she surrendered to the fact that she had a problem and sought help.
Valerie dedicated herself to being an active participant in her recovery from addiction and helping others around her. Valerie was taking classes to become a counselor through the Addictions Counselor Education Program (ACEP) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. As someone proud to be in recovery herself, she spent her time volunteering with local committees, treatment facilities, drug courts, rehabilitation centers, and various other programs, sharing her own story and how she found recovery. She dedicated herself to carrying a message of perseverance and hope - not only through her words, but in the way she lived. Valerie truly saved lives.
She is survived by her mother Jessica Flaherty and step-father Edward Flaherty of Malden, son Mark Brennan and his wife Amy Brennan of Lynnfield, brother Daniel Brennan and his wife Heather Brennan of Delaware, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A Funeral Service will be held from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Saturday, November 20th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. The service will also be streamed by the family on Zoom for those who are out of state and would like to attend. ZOOM ID: 203 676 6115 PASSWORD: 0000
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Valerie Brennan to The Sabrina Best Foundation which aids women in obtaining quality treatment programs, recovery housing, and counseling for addiction. Please donate here: https://www.shewillriseagain.org.