Valerie “Val” Lorraine Wregglesworth
Valerie “Val” Lorraine Wregglesworth was born in Cheboygan June 23, 1973, to Richard and Leota “Boots” (Hart) Wregglesworth. Val, who had Down syndrome, lived a life defined not by a diagnosis, but by love, laughter, determination and a personality far too big to be contained by any label. She died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the age of 53.
A lifelong resident of Onaway, Val was well-known throughout the community and will be remembered as a true original. She had a weakness for Mountain Dew, Oreo cookies, Pringles and Oreo Blizzards from Dairy Queen, and she was always happy to dine at McDonald’s, Big Boy or enjoy breakfast at Wood Winds. Val found comfort in familiar routines and preferred things just the way she liked them, because why change something that was perfectly good.
Bowling, the Special Olympics and cats were among Val’s greatest joys. Every week, she looked forward to bowling in Rogers City with her group of friends. For many years, she also competed in the Special Olympics, earning numerous medals in bowling, bocce ball, walking, the standing long jump, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Val was especially devoted to the Wertz Warriors and its fundraising for Special Olympics of Michigan, and she was an avid Detroit Red Wings’ fan.
As much as she enjoyed competing in the Olympics and cheering for the Red Wings, few things rivaled her love for animals, especially cats. Her beloved Diablo rarely left her side, cried when she was away and curled up beside her each night. Val also befriended the feral cats, Tinkerbell and Frosty, along with a few raccoons who, after discovering her generous meal service, wisely decided to become regular customers on the front porch.
Family was at the center of Val’s life. She shared an especially close bond with her parents, Richard and Boots and went everywhere with them. They cared for her with extraordinary devotion, filling her life with security, adventure and love. Val was also very close to her sister, Colleen, who took her on vacation, stood beside her through every season of life, and was always one of her loudest and proudest cheerleaders. Together with her parents and sister, Val traveled everywhere from California to Washington, D.C., making wonderful memories along the way. No one could predict what Val might say or do on those trips, but everyone could count on an adventure and plenty of laughter.
Val shared a loving bond with her brother, Erick, as well. When he still lived at home, she would stay up at night waiting for him to return, unwilling to call the day complete until she knew he was safely home. She loved Erick and warmly welcomed his friends into her world, often bestowing nicknames that tended to stick. Erick was “Bock,” while one of his friends answered to “Hosehead” or “Hoser,” proof that being loved by Val sometimes came with a name all your own.
During her 53 years, Val met several sports’ celebrities, country music stars, and television personalities, and she had a gift for making sure they remembered her, too. At a Vince Gill concert, Val announced that she was going to hug him. Sure enough, when the family spotted Mr. Gill leaving the venue afterward, she walked right up and delivered one of her famous bear hugs. That was Val: affectionate, loyal, fearless and never one to miss a chance to greet someone she liked. Her hugs were wholehearted and sometimes impressively long, especially when the recipient happened to be one of her favorite gentlemen. With a playful spirit and a twinkle in her eye, Val could be quite the charmer.
At home, Val often had three televisions playing at once, a viewing system she seemed to understand perfectly. She loved movies and favorite television shows, watching the best ones again and again. Her large movie collection traveled with her on overnight trips, though one familiar title was often all she needed. Disney and Barbie movies and Scooby-Doo were particular favorites. She also kept several puzzles going at the same time, enjoyed coloring books, and liked to shop, most often for her cats, who were undoubtedly among the best-supplied pets in town.
Val lived with her whole heart. She felt things deeply, trusted her instincts about people, and made no mystery of whom she adored, or whom she did not. Blessed with a remarkable memory, she never forgot a face, whether it belonged to someone she had met in person or seen on television. She liked her belongings arranged just so and could tell immediately if something had been moved. Val’s honesty, determination, humor and boundless affection made her unforgettable. She leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, medals, movie marathons, well-fed animals and bear hugs that will linger in our memories for years to come. She was deeply loved, and the joy she brought to her family, friends and community will always be cherished.
Val is survived by her parents, Richard and Boots Wregglesworth; her brother, Erick (Dawn) Wregglesworth; and her
Val was preceded in death by her niece, Jayma; her grandparents, Lloyd and Naomi Hart, and George and Hilda Wregglesworth.
Funeral services were held October 12, with burial at Waverly Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Val to The Special Olympics of Michigan – Area 3. Arrangements are in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.
