Sandy resident Valerie Patricia Bartlow died on July 30, 2011 at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center after a month long fight with pneumonia and congestive heart failure. She was 84.
A private family service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery this month.
Valerie was born February 21, 1927 in Ispwich, Queensland, Australia to Thomas M. and Annie (Sherlock) Dawson. She was raised in Ispwich and at the age of 16 graduated from St. Mary’s High School. Upon graduation she received a scholarship to teachers college, but her career was put on hold by WWII. While she was a secretary at the Australian Department of Aircraft Production she met Edward G. Bartlow, a U. S Navy Seabee stationed in Brisbane. They were married April 24, 1944 in Brisbane.
Valerie worked for a while as a stenographer and bookkeeper at Kaiser/Willy’s in Portland in the early 1950’s and then later settled in as a homemaker raising 4 children. She was very involved in their lives and activities helping out as a Den Mother and Brownie and Campfire Girl leader. She eventually continued her education, going back to college, at the age of 46 receiving two AA degrees from Portland Community College while making the Dean’s List.
Valerie lived for a brief time in Pomona, California, but spent almost 60 years in Beaverton before moving to Sandy in 2005.
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Valerie was an avid golfer, served as the first and second president of the Meriwether Women’s Golf Club, was a Publinks member as well as a member of the National 13-and –under Club. She was an expert at crossword puzzles, played the piano and organ and loved reading.
Survivors include her four children; daughters, Diane Grudem of Cerrillos, NM, Janice Smith of Bend and Lorelie Young of Hillsboro; son David Bartlow of Sandy; 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Ed in 1989.
The family suggests contributions in Valerie’s name be made to the charity of your choice.
Valerie’s family would like to thank the hospital and I.C.U. staff at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center for the extraordinary care, compassion and concern for Valerie and her family.