Obituary of Valdean S. Cagwin

Valdean Sabra Vickery Cagwin was born May 26, 1942, however,  if you asked her, she would tell you that that she is 32 years old. So, I am here to tell you, that it was at the age of 32, December 3, 2024, that she- Valdean died at Alpine Nursing And Rehabilitation Center.  Mom lived with vascular dementia for a long time. It robbed her of the ability to walk, to speak, and care for herself. Her sons Eric, Tim, and Greg are saddened by the loss of our mother,  but gladdened that, after almost 20 years of this disease, she is free. Her suffering is over. Please join us in celebrating our mother.  

Valdean was born in Little Falls, NY. (32 years ago.) to George Vickery and Harriet Dennison and lived in the city for most of her life. She graduated from Little Falls High School in 1960. She married Allen Cagwin in 1961. They have six children. She is survived by Eric (in Little Falls NY), Tim (in Burgaw NC), and Greg (in Ithaca NY). Her sons Kris and Joshua, and her daughter Jennifer Rebecca died in 1988. Her former husband and our father, Allen C. Cagwin died in 2006. 

She is survived by her sisters Jean Verri, Leslie Nash, Robin Petkovsek, Ronda Smith, and her brother Rick Vickery. Her much-loved sister Joyce Petrie died earlier this year, and her brother John Vickery died in 2022. Other family include- Her grandchildren Claire, Joe, and Wade Cagwin, her daughter in law Anne Cagwin and her beloved brother-in-law David Petkovsek. As fertility was never an issue for Valdean, or her entire family really - there are nieces, nephews, and cousins galore. 

She loved children. The loss of her children in 1988 was a blow that reverberated through her life. She survived it. She endured it, but I don't think she ever recovered. She loved her sisters and her former in-laws. She took great joy in parties and family gatherings with that mad, bad, and dangerous to know motley crew. There was alcohol,  loud music, and shenanigans of every sort. She was happy to be a grandmother, and she loved her son Greg and his cooking. When he stayed with her, caring for her, he would make her these fantastic and elaborate meals. She loved coffee (oh gosh how she loved coffee!), and ice cream. When her dementia was severe- she took to really enjoying a single ice-cold beer when the spirit moved her. She adored animals and put her faith in god. She loved the TV show MASH and spent years working in the banking industry. She belonged to the Episcopal Church in Little Falls.  We imagine her version of heaven to be an infinite series of garage sales with pink flamingoes on every lawn. She is walking, talking, and remembering everything. Joyce Petrie is with her, and Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell" fills the air. The sun is shining. The sisters stroll for a bargain,  gossip, drink their coffee and cannot wait to fill their houses with more junk. It's a good day. 

She lived and she was loved. We hope you knew her. In a surprising move, Valdean Sabra (age 32) wanted her body to be donated to science. "I won't be doing anything with it, so I might as well be useful to someone!" She believed that science was real and meaningful, and wanted to contribute to it. She's off to Albany Medical College today, as were her directives. There will be no funeral services or calling hours. Eventually,  she will be interred with her three children at the Garlock cemetery on Johnny Cake Road, a stone's throw from the farm where she spent some years raising her family. 

We would like to thank the staff at Alpine Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care of our mother in the last years of her life. Her nurse for her last days was Diana Borst, and Diana is wonderful. A special thanks to Maureen Helmer who helped us keep Mom living in her own home with her furry companions,  as long as we possibly could.  If you want to make a donation to H.A.L.O in Little Falls or the Herkimer County Humane Society in her name, she would be happy. We love you mom. Safe travels. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, 42 N. Ann Street, Little Falls NY 13365