Valerie Bantis

Valerie Bantis died suddenly on April 4, 2022. She was born in Nashua, NH on February 14, 1939, to Ralph and Antoinette Barrett. She spent her childhood years in Hudson, NH and graduated from Alvirne High School in 1957.

Valerie was married to Norman Fortin in 1961 and resided in Nashua, NH. While raising her family, she was employed at many well-known NH companies, including Sanders Associates, FasFax, and Sanmina, working in a wide range of occupations. After her marriage to Norman, she married John Bantis and resided in Merrimack, NH until John’s death in 2006. In 2009, Valerie relocated to Arizona with her companion, Paul Gagnon, where she basked in the sunshine and in the company of good friends. After Paul’s death in 2020, she moved back east to live with her son Craig and his family in Audubon, PA.

Valerie was always on the go and liked to keep busy. She loved to read, to bake, and to work out all kinds of puzzles. She was a handcrafter, knitting garments, and sewing beautiful quilts. Known as the Family Hotline, she was eager to help with assorted baking or crafting questions. She hosted many family gatherings and was always ready for parlor games or a game of cards. She believed in giving back, knitting bandages for those suffering from Hansen’s disease and donating handmade hats, scarves, and mittens to those in need.

Besides her parents, Valerie is predeceased by her husband, John Bantis, her former husband, Norman Fortin, her companion Paul Gagnon, and her sisters, Alice Mitchell, and Irene Landry.

Valerie is survived by her sons, Craig Fortin and his wife Kathleen of Audubon, PA; Derek Fortin and his husband Michael Tavares of Boston, MA; her grandchildren, Olivia Williams and her husband Ted, Graham Fortin, and Claire Fortin; and several generations of John Bantis’ loving family. Valerie also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Bob Mitchell of Nashua, NH, several nieces and nephews, and many loving friends.

Valerie was a steadying force in her family and a faithful friend. She will be deeply missed.

A gathering to celebrate Valerie’s life will be held at Tortilla Flats 595 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 2:00pm to 4:30pm. Friends and family are welcome to attend.