HOUSTON, Texas – Valerie Anne Knowles, 37, passed away March 16, 2011, in Houston, Texas.
Surviving Val are fiance, Todd Datchko; her parents, Donald and Elaine Knowles of Bangor; along with many loving relatives and friends.
In addition to spending quality time with Todd, she loved to travel, visit her family in her home state of Maine with its beautiful coast, and spend time with her friends. Val also had a keen interest in architecture, interior design and fashion. Val had an amazing lust for life and cared deeply for her family, friends and others. She had an incredibly optimistic spirit and will be fondly remembered for her attributes of demonstrating character and integrity, instilling strong values, encouraging others to grow and succeed, and exhibiting true compassion and friendship. Val’s warm heart and selfless personality has taught each one of us a great deal about life, love and commitment. Her impact on our lives and imprint on our hearts are immeasurable, and the precious memories we all shared with her are eternal. Born April 25, 1973, in Waterville, Val spent her childhood growing up in Bangor, graduating from Bangor High School in 1991. Val attended Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995. During her junior year of college, Val spent a semester interning in Washington, D.C., for congresswoman, now Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine. Val then attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a master’s degree in human resources-industrial relations in 1997. After graduation Val began her career with ExxonMobil in August 1997, following a summer internship with them the prior year. Val diligently delivered more than 13 years of company service in the Greater Houston area through a wide range of advisory and leadership assignments across all areas of the company, most recently serving as human resource manager for the ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. She is lovingly remembered by those with whom she worked, and was a respected and trusted co-worker, mentor and friend to many.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, at Faithbridge Church, 18000 Stuebner Airline Road, Spring, Texas. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that donations in Valerie’s memory be made to Houston Area Women’s Center, 1010 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77019 or 1-713-528-6798, ext. 2230.