Valerie Ann Ware

Valerie Ann Ware, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, social worker, community builder, and friend to countless people, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 31, 2026, at the age of 73.

Born on January 28, 1953, Valerie lived a life defined by compassion, connection, and joy. She possessed a remarkable gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel seen, valued, and welcomed. Whether among family, friends, colleagues, or complete strangers, Valerie built community wherever she went. Her warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others left lasting impressions on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Valerie earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Catholic University and dedicated her professional life to serving others. As a Licensed Social Worker, Valerie worked for Catholic Charities in Washington DC and served on numerous assignments as a Social Worker for the US Navy. During her Navy career she developed reintegration processes for Navy Families following long deployments. Her efforts as Deputy Director for Navy Family Services HQ, Duty Station Washington DC, earned the Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the Chief of Naval Operations. She approached her career not simply as a profession, but as a calling, helping individuals and families navigate difficult times with dignity, strength, and hope. Valerie is also known for work with various butterfly organizations to include the United States Department of Agriculture. As a strong naturalist she became renowned as an expert in the caring and protection of Monarch butterflies and registered her home as a Monarch Way Station.

To know Valerie was to know laughter and joy. She was fun, spirited, and full of life. She loved people deeply and wholeheartedly, and her energy drew others to her. She celebrated life's moments both large and small, creating memories that will be treasured by those she leaves behind.

Above all else, Valerie's greatest love was her family. She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Jacquelynn Ware, and a cherished mother-in-law to Andrew Zur, who lovingly knew her as "Mama Val." She took immense pride in their lives and found great joy in the family they built together. She is survived by her husband Bruce R. Ware, IV, daughter Jacquelynn Nicole Ware and son-in-law Andrew Zur, her sister Maureen Ervin, brothers John A Long, Jr., and Joseph Long, sister-in-law’s, Mary Webster and Nancy Campbell, 13 nephews and nieces and numerous grand nephews and nieces, all of whom she loved dearly.

Our family is so incredibly thankful for the amazing care that Valerie received from everyone at Hospice of the Chesapeake and the incredible support from Blessing, Princess, Fitsum, Bola, Christine, and many others from Capitol City Nurses. We are eternally grateful. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Valerie's long time friend and doctor, Dr. Angela Duncan and all the staff at Medpeds. 

In lieu of Flowers the family requests donations to the Hospice of the Chesapeake. https://www.hospicechesapeake.org/giving/donate-now/

LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS

BOUTIQUE & HISTORIC INNS

• ANTRIM 184430 Trevanion Road, Taneytown, MD 21787https://www.antrim1844.com

• GEORGES ON YORK BOUTIQUE INN10 York Street, Taneytown, MD 21787https://georgesonyork.com

• FEDERAL POINTE INN75 Springs Avenue, Gettysburg, PA 17325https://federalpointeinn.com

HOTELS

• WYNDHAM GETTYSBURG HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER95 Presidential Circle, Gettysburg, PA 17325https://www.wyndhamgettysburg.com

• HILTON GARDEN INN GETTYSBURG1061 York Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mdtghgi-hilton-garden-inn-gettysburg

• HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES GETTYSBURG1871 Gettysburg Village Drive, Gettysburg, PA 17325https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress

Join us to celebrate the life of Valerie Ware |All are welcome!

31 JULY 2026

Funeral Service | Saint Anthony Shrine | 10:30 AM16150 St. Anthony Rd. | Emmitsburg, MD. 21727

Burial Immediately Following | St. Anthony’s CemeteryLocated at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes |16330 Grotto Road, Emmitsburg, MD

Reception | The Carriage House Inn | 1:00 PMPlease join us for a hosted bar, hors d’oeuvres, lunch, and refreshments as we share memories and celebrate a life well lived. | 200 S Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD 21727