Valerie R. Mahnke

COLEBROOK – Valerie R. Mahnke, 59, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at her home in Pittsburg after a long period of declining health. She was born on Nov. 27, 1961, at the Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington, Me., a daughter of George and Margaret (Fletcher) Mahnke. Valerie worked as a CNA at the Coös County Nursing Hospital until an injury prevented her from remaining in that field. She was also a cashier at Lambert’s Grocery Store for a short time, and she worked many years at Nancy’s Video in Colebrook. Her longest job was for 17 years as a case worker for the NH northern mental health services, while at the same time attending Springfield College earning a degree in that field. She later worked in the reservations department at The Balsams until her health prevented her from working. She always had a smile on her face and never lost her sense of humor. Valerie dearly loved her family, as well as her many cats over the years and her boyfriend’s dog, Teddy. She enjoyed card-making, scrapbooking, and video games, as well as keeping up with family and friends on Facebook. Valerie also enjoyed being a “Stampin’ Up” demonstrator until her health prevented her from doing that as well. She enjoyed reading, surfing the web, and crafts of all kinds. Valerie also loved her flowers and enjoyed gardening and to take road trips with her family to enjoy the foliage in the fall season. She leaves behind her mother, Margaret Mahnke of Colebrook; two brothers, Karl and Ben Mahnke of Colebrook; her sister, Lisa (Bob) Vashaw of Colebrook; and the love of her life, Gary Jobes of Pittsburg; her niece, Leela (Mike) Buffington, and 3 great-nephews and a great-niece, Moira, Adam, Seth and Jack. Valerie is predeceased by a brother, Steve in 1986, a sister, Cheryl Cavanaugh in 2016, and her father, George in 2017. At this time, there are no public calling hours or services scheduled. A family celebration of her life will be at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Valerie may be made to the Coös Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 345, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Valerie R. Mahnke

November 27, 1961 - November 28, 2020