Valerie Parker Smith

Barre, Vermont

Valerie Smith, age 72, passed away on January 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Valerie was born on February 4, 1953, in Northfield, Vermont, to Vernon Truman and Janice Bean Boudreau. She attended school in Northfield and Montpelier.

Valerie was married to Dennis Parker and had two amazing children, Erin McDermott and Dennis Parker.

She worked for the state of Vermont in various capacities for 32 years, until her retirement.

She was described as “a great boss” and was loved by all her employees and co-workers. Even after retirement, she worked part-time for the Washington County School District as a substitute teacher.

As hard as she worked, her favorite thing to do was go to her camp at Campbell’s Bay in Swanton, VT. She described it as her “happy place” and spent as much time as she could there with family and friends. She was known for painting anything that wasn’t moving. She also loved going to the VFW and Legion Halls to be with friends and have fun with her pull tabs. Valerie loved to dance. She would be the first one on the dance floor and the last one off.

Valerie is survived by her children, daughter Erin McDermott of North Port, FL, and her son Dennis Parker of Berlin, VT. She is also survived by her mother, Janice Boudreau of Berlin, VT, and stepmother Margorie Truman of West Berlin. Also, brothers John and Eric Truman, and sister Vannessa Blodgett. Val had 4 grandchildren, Chelsea and Ty Delphia, Lillian and Jackson Parker, and Mason Harvey. She had one great-grandchild, Carly Rose, and a son-in-law, Brian Delphia. Along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Truman, her husband, David Smith, and Dennis Parker.

Special thanks to Sheila James and Ellie Mulheron for their time and care at the end of Val’s life. And Robyn Truman for her unwavering help and support with paperwork and our continuous phone calls.

Memorial contributions can be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice.

Arrangements are in the care of Guare and Sons Funeral Home of 30 School St., Montpelier, VT.

There will be no formal services, and a celebration of Valerie’s life will happen at the discretion of her immediate family.