Valerie Reynolds: tributes to Whitehead Community Association chairperson and Store House volunteer who ‘had a passion for helping' others
Whitehead Community Association has led tributes following the death of its director and chairperson Valerie Reynolds.
Valerie, who also assisted with the seaside town’s foodbank and was previously a member on the local policing partnership, died peacefully in hospital on January 2.
A familiar face at many events in the community, she has been remembered as “a friend to all”.
In a statement, Whitehead Community Association (WCA) said: “We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague Valerie Reynolds. For over 30 years she tirelessly volunteered for the Whitehead Community Association.
"Valerie served on the WCA Committee for many years, in later years as a director and was the WCA chairperson.
"Valerie had a passion for helping her community, got involved in countless events and projects in Whitehead and is probably best remembered for dispensing tea and kind words to all in the community centre main hall. Valerie also spent a lot of time helping co-ordinate Whitehead Store House (the local food bank).
"We pass our sincerest condolences to husband Stanley; children Ronald, Paul, Rebecca, Catherine and wider family.”
A Funeral Times notice said Valerie Reynolds (nee Noonan) was the devoted wife of Stanley; much-loved mum of Ronald, Paul, Rebecca and Catherine; mother-in-law to Janette, Maria, Neil and Robert; proud and doting nanny of Daniel, Joshua, Samuel, Christopher, Ryan, Evie, Blake, Maddison, Jai, Rio and the late Bethany-Ann and great nanny of Logan and Jacob.
The statement added: “Valerie will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed by the entire family circle.”
Valerie also served for a period on the former Carrickfergus District Policing Partnership, which was made up of councillors and independent representatives working to make their community safer.
Among those paying tribute to Valerie was Carrick Castle DUP Alderman Billy Ashe MBE, who said: “Sincere condolences to her family and friends, one of life’s good people, always thinking of others.”
Meanwhile, East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said he was “saddened to hear of Valerie’s passing, a friend to all”.
A service to celebrate the life of Valerie will be held in St Patricks’ Church of Ireland, Whitehead, on Thursday, January 8, at 2.00pm, followed by a committal in Islandmagee Cemetery.