Nanette “Nan” Valaskatgis, 70, a lifelong Salem resident, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Salem Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Paul Valaskatgis, with whom she shared fifty years of marriage filled with love and laughter.
Born in Salem on December 18, 1955, Nan was the daughter of the late Jean-Paul and Margaret (Gagnon) Boucher. She was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of the former St. Joseph Academy. She furthered her education at Essex Agricultural Institute, where she earned her Associate Degree.
Nan dedicated many years of service to the Salem Public Schools as a teacher's aide at the Horace Mann School. She brought kindness, patience, and a caring spirit to every child she worked with, leaving a lasting impression on students, teachers, and families alike.
Family was at the heart of Nan's life. She cherished bringing loved ones together for weekly family dinners filled with laughter, tradition, and love. Her greatest happiness came from watching her grandchildren, Liam and Nola, grow and thrive. Whether at school events, soccer games, gymnastics meets, or life's many milestones, Nan was always there, cheering them on and celebrating every achievement, big or small.
Nan treasured her friendships and looked forward to regular “tea parties” with her friends, where conversation, laughter, and companionship were always abundant. She also enjoyed spending time in Florida, soaking up the sunshine and embracing the warmth she loved so much. Whether shopping for the perfect gift or relaxing in the sun, Nan found joy in life's simple pleasures and the company of those she loved.
Nan will be remembered for her generous heart, warm smile, and remarkable ability to make everyone feel special. Her love was the foundation of her family, and the memories she created will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who knew her.
In addition to her husband, Paul, she is survived by her daughter, Nicole McKinnon and her husband, Eric McKinnon, of Salem; her son, Athan Valaskatgis of Salem; her cherished grandchildren, Liam and Nola McKinnon; and her brother, Roger Boucher of Salem. She was predeceased by her sister, Linda Purdy of Beverly.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 8th from 4pm to 7pm at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette Street, Salem. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Church, 290 Jefferson Avenue, Salem. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nan’s memory may be made to the Salem Children’s Charity at www.salemchildrenscharity.com.