Valerie Anne Brainerd, 76, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after a long illness.

Valerie was born on January 23, 1950, in Stamford, NY to Ruth and Arthur (Stub) Rikard. She was a graduate of Grand Gorge Central High School, Class of 1968.

Valerie was employed at Hunter Mountain for almost all of her adult life, retiring after 43 years with the official title of “The Base Lodge and Area Food Service Manager.” She was so much more than that as she was the “Center of the Wheel,” boss, educator, counselor and mom to so many. She wasn’t only an employee, she was family, loved and admired by all.

She was predeceased by her husband Richard (her Sweet Babboo) of 57 years; parents Ruth and Stub Rikard; sister Jean Monnen; brother Dan (Lila) Rikard; brothers-in-law Donald Brainerd, Charles Brainerd (Donna), Ed Schaefer, James Brenn; and sisters-in-law Margery Husted (Fred), and Patricia Gunther.

Valerie is survived by her son Rick (Celina)-Wake Forest, NC and daughters Stephanie (Bob)  of Cairo, NY and Michelle (Keith) of Walworth, NY; and bonus son, Todd of Kingston, NY; as well as grandchildren Cailyn (Devin), Nick (Joelle), and Hunter; great grandchildren JJ (Jesse), Cici (Cecilia) and Gabriel; sister Ellen Brenn; brother David Rikard; Uncle Clifford Rikard; sisters-in-law Marie Schaefer(“Big Sis”) and Reba Brainerd; brother in-law Hugh Gunther; and many nieces and nephews.

Valerie was loved and adored by all who had the privilege of meeting her and heaven gained an absolute angel. She will be missed!!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Albany VA Medical Center 113 Holland Ave Albany, NY 12208 c/o CLC-1325 or the Greene County Women’s League Cancer Patient Aid https://greenecountywomensleague.com/donate/

Memorial Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, October 3 from 1-3 p.m. at Decker Funeral Home 5312 Route 23, Windham.

Care has been entrusted to Decker Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at http://www.deckerfh.com.