Valerie J. (Lynch) Richard, age 29, of 7166 State Rt. 29, Dolgeville, (town of Oppenheim), beloved wife of Thomas H. Richard, entered into eternal rest unexpectedly on Thursday evening, March 6, 2003 at Little Falls Hospital. She was born on May 24, 1973 in Little Falls a daughter of Roger K. and Cheryl L. (Smith) Lynch of Oppenheim. She received her education in Oppenheim schools and furthered her education by attending Herkimer County Community College where she was pursuing a degree in Sports Medicine. Valerie was united in marriage with Thomas H. Richard on May 30, 1998 in the Baptist Church in Little Falls. Throughout their 4 years of marriage the couple provided each other with steadfast love and dedication. She was last employed as branch operation supervisor for Fleet Bank in Ilion. She attended the First Baptist Church, Little Falls. The most significant and meaningful priorities in Valerie's life were her dedication to family and friends. Imbued with a zest for life, she lived each day to the fullest enjoying the company of her loved ones and filling every hour with them with worthwhile effort, involvement or activity. She loved to snowmobile and enjoyed the outdoors. Valerie will be remembered by all who knew her as a happy person, one who was dignified in both appearance and character. She is survived by her beloved husband Tom of the home address, her father and mother, Roger and Cheryl Lynch of Oppenheim, father in law and mother in law, James and Dale Richard of Little Falls, grandparents, Edmund and Edna Lynch of Oppenheim and Robert and Mary Pierce of Oppenheim, her cherished daughter, Valerie Ireland Richard, brothers, Seth, Jordan and Kyle Lynch, all of Oppenheim, sisters Jessica Lynch-Kucel and husband Ronald of Oppenheim and Kristy Lynch of Oppenheim, brothers in law, Robert Richard and David Richard of Little Falls, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roger Lynch. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls on Sunday, March 9, 2003 from 4-8 p.m. Valerie's funeral will commence at 11 am on Monday, March 10, 2003 from the First Baptist Church, Albany St., Little Falls with the Rev. Donald Dixon, pastor officiating. Valerie would have wanted contribution's in her honor to go toward her daughter's education and donations may be made at the funeral home for those wishing to do so. Also consider donations in her honor to the Crisis Pregnancy Center, envelopes are available at the funeral home. A special thank you to all of the family and friends for their encouragement, guidance, thoughtfulness and acts of kindness during this difficult time. For directions to the Funeral Home, click the link above.