Valerie E. Hillman

GARDINER – Valerie E. Hillman, 81, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at the Alfond Center of Health in Augusta following a long illness. She was born in Kenduskeag, Maine, on August 16, 1944, daughter of the late Jarvis R. and Ruthena R. (White) Thomas.

Valerie was a 1962 graduate of East Corinth Academy, where she was Valedictorian of her class. She earned a Master’s Degree from Husson College in 2005; and undergraduate degrees from the University of Maine where she was initiated into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity of the Community and Junior College in 1985.

She retired from Associated Grocers of Maine after 30+ years of service while raising her family. Valerie was active in several organizations to include Red Cross, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary (past president), Richmond Legion Riders Post 132, and Ward Pond Association to name a few.

She enjoyed cooking (known for her apple pies), an excellent seamstress and crotchet, traveling, music, motorcycle riding (earned her license in her 60’s), skiing, crossword puzzles, movies, trivia, shopping with her daughter Tamara, regular manicure and hair appointments, and spending time at the family camp on Ward Pond.

Valerie was predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Frank C. Hillman; two granddaughters, Kayla and Natasha Tardiff; and a special friend, Harland “Pokie” Lebel.

Valerie is survived by her son, Thomas C. Hillman and his wife Lisa of Gardiner, a daughter, Tamara R. Hillman-Tardiff and her husband Kenneth of Manchester; three brothers, Travis Thomas of Holden, Derek Thomas of Hermon, and Kevin St. Thomas of West Gardiner, a sister, Colleen Kalbarczyk of Harrisburg, Pa.; two grandchildren: Emilie M. Hillman and her husband Curt Olson and Jessica Valerie Hillman and partner Tyler Davis; as well several cousins, nephews and nieces; and special friend Patrick Dechaine.

Special thank you to Maine General Health Alzheimer’s Care Center’s Adult Day Program and Bedside Manor, Oakland for taking great care of her.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. at Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant Street, Augusta. A private graveside service will be held in the spring at Snow’s Corner Cemetery, Hermon, Maine.

Condolences, stories and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at : http://www.plummerfh.com.



Donations can be made to:

the Maine General Health Alzheimer’s Care Center (Adult Day Program)



Valerie E. Hillman