Valerie E. Szemplinski

Valerie Ellen Szemplinski , 61, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at her home after a long illness, with her loving family by her side.

Valerie was born in Holyoke, MA, the daughter of the Gwen Keister and the late John Smith.

She worked for many years with Potpourri, part of the Mental Health Association of Albany. She was partner in VAS Towing in the 1980's and more recently, was the owner of City Road Service. She also ran a sandwich shop and hot dog cart over the years.

Valerie and her husband and companion for over 30 years, Vince Szemplinski, enjoyed traveling the antique fair circuit regionally and spent many collecting and re-selling items. She loved everything to do with Christmas and couldn't wait to decorate and bake cookies each year. Some of her favorite things were autumn colors, old glass and her Christmas Village collection.

In addition to her father she was predeceased by her step-mother Bonnie Lee Smith.

In addition to her husband Vince, Valerie is survived by her sons Don and Stephen Zwack, her grandson Harley Butler, her siblings Carl (Dawn) and Kevin (Sara) Keister, John Smith and Heather Smith, as well as her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Digger and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend thanks to Albany Hospice workers Robaire Long, Tiffany Cody and nurse Sindu Balan for all of their care and kindness in Valerie's' last days.

A Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 10:00 am at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie. Calling hours will be Tuesday September 29, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Our Lady of Angels, Colonie.