GILFORD ---- Patricia June (LaSala) Valovanie, 69, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, June 21, 2024 at her home in Gilford.
Trish was born June 24, 1954 in Lynn, Massachusetts to Edward and Ellen (McNulty) LaSala. She graduated from Saugus High School in 1972 and then attended Bunker Hill Community College. After graduation she married Michael and started her family, raising them in Saugus, Massachusetts while working at the United States Postal Service. In 1991 Trish and her family moved to Gilford, NH. Trish worked many years at Meridian Construction. In 2003 Trish and Michael built the home of their dreams in Gilford. In 2007 Trish found her second family in the Laconia Fire Department. She spent 16 years working with the fine men and women of Laconia Fire until she retired in 2023.
Trish was a friend to everyone she met. She could meet a stranger and be their best friend by the end of the night, and she would continue those friendships forever. Trish had a way of making everyone around her feel loved and accepted. Trish’s friends from high school were a second set of sisters to her. They remained close throughout life and were her dearest friends. Trish spent summers her whole life at Lake Shore Park, her favorite place in the entire world. The people at LSP and her experiences there were some of her warmest memories. Trish loved her vacations with Michael. From St. John to Lauderdale by the Sea, she looked forward to those times with her husband every year. Trish’s favorite activity was swimming. From LSP, to the swim club, to Granite State Triathlon Club, Trish always enjoyed her time in the water. Whether it was in Lake Winnipesaukee for a race or the pool at the Driftwood on vacation, it was always her happy place. Trish was active in the local fitness community where many great friendships were made. She treasured her classes at Studio 151 and the coffee with friends after. Laconia Fire Department was more than a job to her. The bonds with the men and women formed there cannot be described in words. LFD is nothing short of incredible and her family will forever be grateful for their love and support. Trish was a part of so many amazing communities, but her favorite was always the one at home. From Sunday dinners, snowshoeing in the back yard, coloring eggs, making chocolates, puzzles, and everything in between. She loved and cherished her entire family.
Trish is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Michael; son Sean and wife Lorienne; daughter Katie and fiancé Brendan Daly; and grandchildren Jennah and Ellen. She also leaves behind her brother Teddy LaSala, sisters Suzanne Nestor and Ann Saulnier, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister Mary Ellen and parents Edward and Ellen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 10:00am at the St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, NH.
Family and Friends are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life at her home at 376 Weirs Road in Gilford on Friday, June 28, 2024 beginning at noon.
For those who wish, donations in Trish's name may be made to the Laconia Fire Department Life Saving Fund, 848 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.