Valerie Lamson Smith, 68, of Old Orchard Beach, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 21, 2021 after a long illness. She was born in Portland, ME on July 7, 1952, daughter to Llewellyn J. and Myra A. Lamson.

Valerie touched everyone fortunate enough to cross her path with kindness, love, compassion and inspiration.  She could always see the best in everyone and had a way of making you feel like you were the most special person in the world.  She handled her battle with all of her strength and grace.

Val spoke softly, laughed freely and loved deeply.  She was the epitome of grace.

Val is survived by the love of her life, husband, John E. Bancroft of Old Orchard Beach, ME, sons, Kevin M. Smith of Nashua, NH and Dan Smith and his wife Hannah Brenkert-Smith of Boulder, CO, daughter, J.J. Sawicki and her husband Eric J. Sawicki of Lancaster, NY, step daughters Kate Bancroft and her wife Olivia Wells of New York City, NY, Lauren Bancroft and her fiance John Pingel of Los Angeles, CA, Eliza Bancroft and her fiance Eric White of Londonderry, NH, her  grandchildren Rose J. Kempton, Alex Pietrello, Sawyer Smith and Brynn Sawicki, sister Sherri Bryan, brothers Bruce S. Lamson and Leigh S. Lamson plus so many more friends and family that love her.  And that includes her Fritz Weatherbee.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Dempsey Center or Hospice of Southern Maine .

Her parting wish was "I Hope You Dance!".

A Celebration of Life will be held at Dunegrass Country Club in Old Orchard Beach on Sunday, September 19th from 1-4pm. To those planning on attending we ask that you wear something colorful in honor and remembrance of Val's unconditional love, kindness and joy. If you are unable to attend please take a moment out of your day to pause, reflect and share something with those you love.