Valerie Mary Peterson, age 75 of Pasco Washington, passed away on October 22, 2008. Valerie was born on September 4, 1933 in The Dalles, OR to Ray Allen Cochran and Ann Marie Cochran Brandl. She retired as a US Postal Carrier. Mom was a master at all crafts – sewing, fine-thread crochet, needlepoint, quilting, knitting, free-form clay sculptures, and any other art form she chose to undertake. She loved gardening, the beach, family, cooking, playing cards and playing the piano. Everyone who knew her remembers her laugh and great sense of humor. Valerie survived by her children John, Eric, and Seneca Peterson; siblings Gerald Cochran and Adrienne Benson; grandchildren Austin Freeland, Brooklyn Peterson, and Kailynn Schultz, nephews Geoff Cochran and Andrew Benson and nieces Kim Decker, Anne Harris, Suzanne Cochran and Theresa Benson. She was preceded in death by her father in 1936, her mother in 1997, her first husband Elmer Bosler, and her children's father, Frank Hollenbaugh in 2005. Mom's wishes were that her body be donated to science for research at the Genesis Legacy organization. A small service will be held at a date to be determined. Please send in lieu of flowers, donations in Valerie's memory, made to the Hospice House 2108 West Entiat Avenue, Kennewick WA 99336. A letter from her daughter Sen Dear Friends and Family, For those of you who did not hear, Mom died on Oct. 22 at 6:30am. Lyla and I were there. I thought she was going to try to sneak out of here with no one there. I feel fortunate she passed peacefully and I believe she left me with some peace as well. It was great how the Hospice staff described Mom. It was like they knew exactly who she was without really knowing her before the Alzheimer's took her. They described her as a loving, sweet woman, which was funny considering the comments she was making toward them. One lady said she cleaned her nose and then two days later while she was bathing her she said something along the lines of "you already cleaned my nose dammit!" Mom always had a way of stating the obvious, but somehow made you laugh instead of feeling reprimanded. Other things I remember is her laugh - laughing hysterically together - the eyebrown lift, "you betcha", her meticulous crafting and artwork, the beach, her love for family and friends, Thanksgiving and the food we made together, Spite and Malice, leaving the kids on the side of the highway. I remember watching her hands work some new creation, while she spoke softly and explained. I studied them and would recognize them as they were my own.......I loved it when she played the piano...Donald Duck, 4 A.M. swim practice, coffee at the kitchen table, Neil Diamond, Willie Nelson and the Tractors. I am heartbroken my daughter Lyla didn't get the opportunity to know her. Lyla looks like Mom, she has the smae silent understanding of people and life and is so smart like her. Mom worked hard, loved her family and is dearly missed by many. I cannot begin to name all the gifts she gave me. Hesitant, but resigned, I am wishing her farewell; on to her next journey. My heart will always be filled with love for her and regret that she is gone. Thanks to all who shared their stories and expressed their love for her. Special thanks to Hospice for providing genuine love, care and respect to our beloved Valerie. Love you Mom; I will miss you everyday. Please see this link and remember her in your own way. Mom's dash is all of us bound together forever, as we remember her. http://thedashmovie.com Love, Sen