Valerie Ann (Searle) McGrady, 78, Hillsboro, passed away at 9:33 p.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in the St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital.
Valerie was born in Chelsea, England on June 15, 1942. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Muriel (Ashwell) Searle. Valerie and the family moved to the United States when she was nine and settled in Georgia. She was raised and educated in Georgia. She married Richard Doll and moved to Indiana and settled in Vincennes where they raised their three children. While residing in Vincennes she owned and operated Executive Hair Designs, located in the Executive Inn in Vincennes. On Sept. 15, 1984, she married Francis “Fran” G. McGrady in Vincennes and they moved to Hillsboro. After moving to Hillsboro, she continued to operate her hair styling business.
Her true passion was wild life rehabilitation. She was licensed by the DNR and continued to rescue a wide variety of birds and animals. In the community she was known as the “Deer Lady.” Her other passion was helping the local Hillsboro senior citizens. She had a strong empathy for wild life and senior citizens, worrying how everyone was doing. During her spare time she enjoyed working in the yard and flower garden. She also enjoyed her English Tea Garden.
Valerie leaves behind her husband of 36 years, Dr. Francis “Fran” G. McGrady, along with three children, Renee (Tom) Campbell, Grandview, Indiana, Sabrina (Greg) Petesch, Mapleton, Illinois and Eric (Melissa) Doll, Edwardsport, Indiana; five step-sons, David McGrady, the late Daniel (Renee) McGrady, Mark (Misty) McGrady, Gary (Tina) McGrady and Tim (Lori) McGrady; five grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Pauline (Pat) Paruso, Savannah, Georgia and Jane (Jerry) Melvin, Vincennes.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Searle.
Friends may call at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 16 from 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. with Pastor David Inskeep officiating. Burial will follow in the Waynetown Masonic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the MDS Foundation (Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation), 4573 S. Broad St., Suite 150, Yardville, NJ 08620. Website is www.mds-foundation.org/donate.
Condolences may be sent online to www.mausfuneral
home.com.
