Valerie M. Kenney

Valerie Mary Kenney (née Jacques) August 16, 1958 – July 27, 2025 Valerie Mary Kenney (née Jacques), of Harrison Township, passed away peacefully at home on July 27, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family, after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Born on August 16, 1958, to the late Wilfred and Audrey Jacques (née Chouinard), Valerie was raised in East Detroit (Eastpointe), where she was a bright, kind-hearted young woman. Over the years, she became a beloved wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, loyal sister, aunt, professional, and treasured friend. Left to cherish her memory is her best friend and husband of over 42 years, Patrick Kenney. Valerie was a loving mother to Michelle Kenney (Trace Benson) of New Castle, CO and Allison Kenney (Kyle Sullivan) of Dublin, OH, and a proud and adoring “No Rules Nana” to her grandchildren: Madison and Gemma Benson and Mackenzie Sullivan. She is also survived by her siblings: Lana (Wayne) Perkins, Lynn (Richard) Smith, Carol (Bruce) Jeffrey, and Thomas (Jennifer) Jacques; sister-in-law Julia Jacques; and her extended family, Chuck (Judy) Kenney and Paul Seaser. Her many nieces and nephews loved her deeply: Nicole, Renee, Rochelle, Leslie (Julian), Robin (Chris), Lori (Maciej), Audra, Aliah, Kristin (Andrea), Kara (Frank), Olivia, O’ndre (Katherine), Jeffrey, Alexander (Megan), Thomas, Ryan (Priya), and Andrew (Stacie), along with numerous great-nieces and nephews. Also her dearest friends Anita Werner, Lija Floria and Liz Book cherished their long-time friendship and loved her as a sister. Valerie was predeceased by her beloved brothers Frank and John Jacques, her in-laws John and Shirley Kenney, and her sister-in-law Katherine Seaser. Val was the heart of every gathering—always welcoming, always present, and always giving. Her professional legacy included a long and respected career as a Human Resources Specialist with Continental Tire, where she continued to support colleagues even after her formal retirement in 2022. Her warmth, wisdom, and humor made her a natural mentor and confidante. Outside of work, Valerie found joy in her many passions—vacationing with her daughters in the Colorado mountains, crafting and decorating homes with her husband Pat, shopping trips with her grandkids, and enjoying lake life and snow-covered winters at their Caberfae chalet with her dearest friends. She found beauty in the small things—ornate teapots, unique lapel pins from her travels, and quiet walks in the snow. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Valerie was a woman of deep devotion, and her strength, love, and generosity will remain a guiding light for all who knew her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Valerie’s honor on August 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church, Mt. Clemens, M with instate beginning at 10:30 am. She will be laid to rest in a private family burial at All Saints Cemetery, Waterford. In tribute to Valerie, her family invites those attending the mass to wear her favorite color—pink—as a symbol of her joyful spirit. Memorial contributions may be made to a Catholic church or organization to have Masses said in Valerie’s name, to Michigan Palliative & Hospice Care of Farmington Hills, MI, or to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (colorectalcancer.org), supporting research and awareness. Valerie was everyone’s biggest cheerleader and most loyal friend. She lived a life of service, joy, and love—and we will carry her legacy in our hearts forever.

Valerie M. Kenney

August 16, 1958 - July 27, 2025