Obituary of Valla M Hall

Brewer—Valla M. Hall, 96, passed away November 21, 2022.  Born in Houlton, ME on January 20, 1926, Valla was the daughter of George and Medston (Victory) Murphy.

She graduated from Houlton High School in 1943. After graduating, she married the love of her life, Gordon Hall, who was a member of the U.S. Navy. The couple was stationed in Newport News, VA before eventually moving back to Bangor to start a family.  Valla worked at Byer Mill in Orono for many years before moving on to Emple Knitting Mill in Brewer working as a stitcher. After the mill closed, she went on to work at Marden’s in the shoe department until she retired in her mid-80’s.  Valla was a member of East Orrington Congregational Church.

Valla lived in senior housing at Chamberlain Place in Brewer, before moving to Woodlands Assisted Living and eventually onto Bangor Nursing & Rehab Center. Valla was known as the spunky little lady that made everyone laugh and told you exactly what was on her mind. She was famous for “borrowing” all of the nurses purple gloves in her daily room to room travels and was loved like a family member by everyone she met.

Valla was predeceased by her step-father Charlie Baker, as well as 13 siblings. She was also predeceased by her husband, Gordon Hall. She is survived by two children Bonnie McCrea of Bangor and Peter W. Hall of Brewer; grandchildren Heather Wilcox and husband Chris of Glenburn, Brooke Shogren and husband David of Rhode Island, Holly Strout of Hancock; great-grandchildren Kyle Hornyak and his girlfriend, Caity Howes, Kayla Hornyak, Alyson and Gavin Shogren, James Hall, Chase Strout, Kendall Strout, Adam Strout, Payton Strout; great-great grandchildren James Hall III, Hunter Pinkham, and half-sister Shirley Ethier of Zephyrhills, FL.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and loved by a very special niece, Gail Sawyer.  Valla was predeceased by her very special son-in-law, Tom McCrea, and is survived by his children Marty McCrea and wife Amy of Orrington, Brian McCrea of Arizona; great-grandchildren Jake McCrea and his wife Ellie, Nick McCrea, Emma and Dylan McCrea, and great-great granddaughter, Joelle McCrea.  Valla also held a very close bond with Troy Hornyak, father of Kyle and Kayla Hornyak, and special friends Priscilla Rollins and Elizabeth “Betty Boop” Lent, all of which have passed before her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation on Valla’s behalf to Bangor Nursing & Rehab Center, Attn: Melissa Martin/Purple Glove Foundation; 103 Texas Ave., Bangor ME 04401.

A funeral service will be held 11 A.M., Monday, November 28, 2022, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer.  All are invited to a reception at High Tide Restaurant in Brewer beginning at 4 PM the same day.  Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com