Valerie M. (Armstrong) Henneke, 80, of Keene and formerly of Hendersonville, N.C. and Rutland, VT. died on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene. She passed peacefully with her family and her dear friend Clyde DeLong at her side after a brief period of declining health.
Valerie was born to the late Marjorie (Higgins) and Vernon Armstrong on July 2, 1934 in London, England. She was educated in Holyoke, Massachusetts and attended the University of Connecticut where she studied Physical Therapy.
On August 14, 1954 she exchanged vows with 
Frederic A. Henneke. They were married in a simple service in Long Island, N.Y. with close family and friends in attendance. Sadly Fred preceeded her in death on January 26, 2012 after fifty seven years of marriage.
Mr.Valerie found great joy staying at home and raising her three daughter’s and volunteering for various organizations. When she and Fred moved to North Carolina in 1990, she and Fred joined forces and she worked for ten years as the office manager of their family business Blue Ridge Abrasives.
She enjoyed knitting, playing bridge, cribbage, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Getting to spend time with her grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren was a high point in her life. Upon returning to Keene three years ago following Fred’s death, she became active member of the Keene Senior Center. Some of Valerie’s most active volunteering was with Meals on Wheels programs, PTA, League of Women’s Voters and as a reader for the reading programs in schools.
Mrs. Henneke is survived by her three daughters and their spouses; Catherine E. Henneke-Butler of Hood River OR., Marjorie H. Hall and her husband Martin of Westmoreland and Susan H. Marsh and her husband Dwight of Johns Creek, GA., her two sisters; Yvonne Johnson and Elaine Gravely of San Antonio, TX., four grandchildren: Craig Day, Whitney Butler, Courtney Butler and Shannon Marsh. Two great grandchildren; Rylee and Madelyn. In addition she leaves several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
In keeping with Valerie’s wishes all services will be private. Donations can be made to: Meals on Wheels, 17 Bradco St. Keene, NH. 03431 or to: Keene Senior Center, 70 Court St. Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
