Obituary of Carol Ann Valchuis

Carol Ann Valchuis, a retired waitress at the Chateau Restaurant in Waltham for almost 30 years passed away suddenly on Tuesday November 12, 2019.  She was 77 years old.  Carol was born in Cambridge.  She was the only daughter of the late William and Ruth Gauvin.  She grew up in Cambridge.  She was a graduate of Cambridge Latin High School and Pierce Secretarial School in Boston.  She married her husband, Joseph Valchuis, in 1962 and they resided in Waltham for over 40 years.  She has lived in Woburn for the past 10 years. Carol worked part time at the DeVincents Farm Stand in Waltham for a number of years before taking a waitress position at the Chateau in Waltham.  She loved being a waitress.  The restaurant was a local landmark, everyone dined at the Chateau, and she had countless regulars whom she knew by name, knew what they drank, and what were their favorite dishes.  She was engaging, could remember orders, and made customers feel welcomed and special. 

Carol had only one daughter, Dawn, whom she adored.  As a parent she wanted to give her the luxuries and opportunities that she didn’t have when growing up.  She was so proud to see her do well in school, graduate college, have a career and marry a wonderful man. She opened her heart to Jacqueline, Saul's daughter from his first marriage, and was thrilled when her granddaughter Gabrielle was born.  Carol loved being a grandmother.  She was always there to lend a helping hand in raising Gabrielle.  She was a caregiver when her mother worked, hosted countless sleep overs so to give her daughter and son-in-law much needed respite, played games, shopped, and most importantly smothered her with love.  Carol would do anything for those she loved.  After her father passed, she opened her home to her mother and lovingly watched over and cared for her mom during her last 10 years of her life.  Sunday dinners were a norm. For decades, as a child and when she was a mother, summers were spent at the family cottage on Baboosic Lake in New Hampshire.  She supported and encouraged her husband, Joe, in his career and loved the times they spent with friends, dancing, and sharing 57 years of marital bliss.  She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, kindness, and the love she shared with all those in her life.

Carol was the beloved wife of Joseph Henry Valchuis.  She was the loving mother of Dawn Portillo and mother-in-law of Saul Portillo of Burlington.   She was the proud grandmother of Gabrielle Portillo of Burlington and Jacqueline Portillo of ME.  She was the sister of Thomas Gauvin of Hull and Robert Gauvin of NH. 

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Sunday Nov. 17 from Noon – 2 p.m.  Concluding with Funeral Services at 2.  Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Carol’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452  www.alz.org