Mrs. Peter J. Valeska II

Mrs. Valeska became the first kindergarten teacher in the public schools of Methuen, Mass.

In 1980, she and her husband retired to the oceanside house they had built as a summer home in the 1960s.She is remembered for her charity and kindness, especially to her many nieces and nephews, and for her hospitality at her annual St. Patrick's Day gala.

In 1985, she published a book about her many years as a kindergarten teacher, titled, "Y' Know What?"

Mrs. Valeska was a member of the College Club of Greater Lawrence, Mass., and the Retired State, County and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts.She worked for the Heart Fund, but her favorite charity was providing warm clothes and toys for Irish families with young children whom she befriended on her 20 trips to Ireland.

Besides her husband, survivors include a son, Peter J. Valeska II of Reno, Nev.; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be 7 to 9 p.m. today at Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St., Biddeford, where a funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday.Burial will be in Arundel Cemetery.