Valerie Rounds, 99, formerly of Silver Street, died Tuesday, Nov. 8, at Fairview Commons. She was born in Great Barrington on Oct. 25, 1917, the daughter of Anthony and Mary Ann (Wischowski) Washalaski. She was educated in Mill River Schools and was a graduate of the Feener Business School. When her father became ill, Valerie helped her mother take care of him and, once he recovered, went to work for Pete’s Garage then to B&D in Canaan, Connecticut, where she worked till she retired in 1972.
Valerie’s husband, Kenneth L. Rounds, whom she married on Dec. 29, 1962, predeceased her on Sept. 9, 1984. Valerie enjoyed crafts and sewing, knitting many baby items, and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in New Marlborough.
Valerie is survived by her cousin, Elizabeth Sheridan, and husband, Arthur, of Salinas, California, and two lifelong friends Dottie Szczesniak of Connecticut and Winnie Veretto of Great Barrington. In addition to her husband, Kenneth, Valerie was predeceased by brothers John and Stephen Washalaski and sister Mary Carella and cousins Marian Karawan and Carol Ullstrom.
A graveside service for Valerie Rounds will be held in Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington on Monday, Nov. 21, at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. William P. Murphy officiating. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
