Carol J. Valdez

Carol J. (Harcourt) Valdez, 87, of Randolph (formerly Dorchester), passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, surrounded by family. She was a loving wife, mother, nana and friend.

Carol was born in Boston to Margaret and Leroy Harcourt. She resided in Dorchester for many years and was a graduate of Dorchester High School for Girls. She retired from Phillips Candy House in Dorchester, where she was the “candy dipper” for 15 years. She also helped out in her father’s donut shop where the lunch crowd anxiously awaited her meatballs, a customer favorite.

After retiring, her hobbies were where she found solace and joy. Carol spent countless hours meticulously caring for her home and tending to her garden over the years. Her cleaning was so thorough that she flipped over a sofa chair to find two M&M’s.

She had a creative flair that drove her to try many new crafts. She also enjoyed card games and a variety of puzzles. She could often be found humming a tune, and she entertained her kids by playing songs on the harmonica. If she wasn’t at home, you’d probably find her out shopping for a new pocketbook or grabbing takeout from her favorite Chinese restaurant.

Carol is survived by her husband of 50 years, Carlos Valdez, her beloved children William O’Neil and his wife Helen, Susan Ford, Janet Carter and her husband Jim, Scott Valdez and his wife Joanne, and her cherished grandchildren Melissa Ford and Valery Valdez. She is also survived by her stepchildren Ingrid Gallegos, Carlos Valdez and his wife Consuelo, German Valdez and his wife Catalina, Luis Valdez and his wife Denise, Victor Valdez and his wife Margaret, Mara Valdez and her husband Manual, Yerman Valdez and his wife Julita, and her many wonderful step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Peggy Egan and her step-son Julio Valdez.

Carol’s warmth, humor, and devotion to family and friends will be fondly remembered, leaving a legacy of love and kindness. We will love and miss you always and think of you often as you exist forever in our hearts.

Carol’s Celebration of Life will be held 3-5pm on Wednesday, April 24 at McMaster Funeral Home, 86 Franklin St. (Rt. 37), Braintree, MA. There will be an intimate gathering of family and friends for her interment at Groton Cemetery on Thursday, April 25 at 9:45am. 

Small floral arrangements are appreciated. Donations may be made to a charity of your choosing, in her memory. 

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. His love be with me through the night, and wake me with the morning light. And if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.”

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