Valerie Jean Baddorf

Obituary For Valerie Jean Baddorf

Valerie Jean Baddorf, 71, of Bellingham, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Born on June 10, 1954, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Valerie was the youngest of three daughters to Bill and Jean Ashdown. She spent her early years in a vibrant household filled with books and music. Summers spent on Saturna Island with her family gave Valerie an appreciation of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and instilled in her a lifelong love of nature and adventure.

Valerie pursued her passion for languages and cultures, studying Spanish and traveling extensively throughout Latin America. It was during her time in Mexico that she met her future husband, Art Baddorf. Their shared love for exploration and learning led them to marry in the Dominican Republic in 1980, embarking on a journey that spanned continents and nearly 45 years of marriage.

Settling with Art in Newark, Delaware, Valerie dedicated herself to raising their three children: Zack, Kristi, and Alicia. She was a devoted mother who instilled in her children the values of curiosity, compassion, and perseverance. Family trips to Delaware beaches — marked by body surfing and sunburns — and camping adventures in all kinds of weather, but mostly rain, became cherished memories. Valerie enjoyed sharing walks, conversations, and meals with dear friends.

Alongside her work as a mother, Valerie built a meaningful career in education and writing. She worked as a writer and editor at the University of Delaware’s College of Agriculture, where she produced newsletters covering topics ranging from environmental sustainability to food systems. Later, she joined Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey. There, she developed English language assessments for learners around the world — applying her writing skills with precision, clarity, and care. She proudly earned her bachelor’s degree in art and her master’s degree in teaching English as a second language.

After settling on Lake Samish in Bellingham in 2013, Valerie became an active member of the lake association and contributed research and writing to the Lake Samish history book. During this time, she also dedicated herself to learning classical guitar and the ukulele, became active in political causes, and continued her passion for gardening and water recreation.

Valerie was an avid hiker, swimmer, dog lover, gardener, and ukulele and guitar player.

Valerie's dedication to education and social justice was evident in every part of her life. She filled her home with books, music, and spirited conversation.

Valerie embraced life’s challenges with determination and grace. Even after her diagnosis, she remained optimistic, focusing on the joys of daily life and the love of her family. Her resilience was a testament to her strength, as she lived well beyond her initial prognosis.

Valerie is survived by her husband, Art; her children, Zack (Samantha), Kristi (Derek), and Alicia (Scott); her grandchildren, Denham and Esme; her sisters, Sheena and Charleen; and many other loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Valerie’s life will be held in July 2025 in Bellingham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Whatcom Humane Society, where she adopted their beloved Labrador Retriever, Bessie.

Valerie’s legacy endures — in the lives she touched, the values she upheld, and the love she shared. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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