VALESKA M. (WARD) LOMBARD

CARIBOU – Valeska M. (Ward) Lombard, 92, died Oct. 28, 2008, surrounded and held by her family at Borderview Rehab and Living Center, Van Buren. She was born Oct. 12, 1916, in Fort Fairfield, the daughter of Benjamin and Gladys (Cox) Ward. Valeska was a 1935 graduate of Limestone High School and completed the business program at Burdett Business School, Boston. She came back to her beloved hometown of Limestone to work at the electric company. In 1936 she was selected as Aroostook County’s first Maine Potato Blossom Queen, an event she never took seriously, then or now. She was an avid horseman even as a young girl. When Valeska was 10 years old, she harnessed her pony to a cart, convinced her brother, Barry “Bud” and her sister, Althea, to join her, and set off toward Caswell to find the gypsies. She was strong, feisty and independent even then. As a young woman, she was often the only female competing, and winning, in harness races on ice with her horse, Silver. Valeska married Maynard E. Lombard, in Limestone, Nov. 1, 1939. They made their home in Caribou, later purchased the home farm on the Van Buren Road, where they raised a family of four, farmed potatoes and peas, and bought and sold Arabians and Morgan horses. During this time Valeska was a certified Palomino inspector. They were both charter members of Pine and Spurs Riding Club and promoted horse-related activities throughout Aroostook County. They were active members of Gray Memorial United Methodist Church. Valeska taught Sunday school there and was a member of the ladies’ group. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and a was lifetime member of the Eastern Star. Valeska welcomed the youngsters from town who came to lean over the corral fence and pat the horses. She and Maynard cooked for, listened to and counseled the young men from the armed forces in the area who just needed a home away from home. High Acres Farm was truly that home. Maynard died in 1966 at age 54, leaving her the family, the farm and the horses. She sold most of the farmland but single-handedly continued caring for her family and 13 horses. After selling the horses, she opened, at the homestead, an antique and collectible shop, which she ran until she was 81 years old. She declared at that time she wanted to be free to travel around the countryside with her sister, cousin and friends-the “horsy set.” They traveled in her red Wrangler Jeep. Her parents and siblings called her “Lizzie,” and her friends called her “Wick.” She was “Gram” to her grandchildren and to her great-grandchildren. Her love and patience for those who called her “Mum” was unconditional. Her family will always remember the wonderful staff at Borderview, “Miss Valeska’s” home for the past few years, with great affection and gratitude. They will remember her especially for her dignity and kindness. She is survived by a daughter, Wendy Bossie of Caribou and Roger of Stockholm; a daughter, Shirley Cote and Don of New Sweden; and a son, Douglas Lombard and Patricia (Peterson) of Caribou. She has 10 grandchildren, Marty, Jeff, John, Sarah, Ben, Luke, Amelia, Danielle, Meaghan and Adam; and nine great-grandchildren, Elise, Jen, Samantha, Kaitlyn, Taylor, Hayden, Alexandra, Madison and Dakota. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Phyllis Lombard Richardson and Jean Dickinson Lombard; plus nieces and nephews. She’ll be remembered by her best friend, Mrs. Don Glenda Smith. Valeska was predeceased by her husband, Maynard; and her son, Kerry Ward Lombard. Friends may call 3 p.m. until the time of services Saturday, Nov. 1, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, where services will be held 4 p.m. from the chapel of the funeral home with Mary Lou Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to contribute in memory of Valeska may do so to Rockin T. Equine Rescue, 60 Edgecombe Road, Lisbon Falls, ME 04252 or on their Web site at www.RockinTEquineRescue.com. For an online register, go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com. “We’ll see you on the trail and around the campfire.”