Valdete Moncreaff

Valdete Moncreaff, age 85, resident of Keaau, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 15, 1940, in beautiful Vila Guarana, Espírito Santo, Brazil, Valdete was a beacon of warmth and love, a woman of tremendous faith, and an adventurous soul who embraced the world with open arms. Her vibrant life of 85 years was a testament to her tenacity, love, and inspiring dedication to the things she held dear.

Valdete was a woman of extraordinary love, strength, and determination. Her love for travel was an expression of her adventurous spirit. From her birthplace in Brazil to her time in Massachusetts, where she raised a family, and ultimately her beloved home in Keaau, Hawaii, Valdete's journey was as diverse and beautiful as the flowers, plants, and trees she so lovingly tended. Her travels brought her to such destinations as England, France, Portugal, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Canada, Peru, the Philippines and more. Many of these journeys took her to religious sites that held deep meaning for her as a devout Catholic.

She enjoyed baking, knitting, painting, cake decorating, and needlepoint when her children were younger, creating everything from personal blankets for each of her children to artwork that hung on the walls of the family home. And the birthday cakes she made were amazing. She was a wonderful storyteller with an endless supply of tales to share.

Valdete's inspiring journey was not only geographical but also intellectual. Her love of education led her to earn three associate degrees, two bachelor's degrees, a master's degree, and ultimately a doctorate in psychology at the age of 72.

Her loving nature inspired a lifelong commitment to serving others through social work. She opened her heart and home as a foster parent for several years while living in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. During her time in Hawaii, she worked in the social services field providing much-needed support for children and families. As she moved towards semi-retirement, Valdete enjoyed serving as a substitute teacher in her local community. She spent many years cultivating her gardens and yard in Hawaii and sharing her harvests of fruit with family, friends and neighbors brought her great joy.

Valdete is survived by her sons, Gregory of Marlborough; Jonathan and his wife, Caroline, of Westford; Matthew of Princeton; and her daughter, Jennifer Panarelli and her husband, Peter, of Lunenburg. She was the proud grandmother of Rayne, daughter of Gregory; Conor, son of Jonathan and Caroline; Trek, Hero, Alara, Fae, and Phoenix (predeceased 2018), Matthew and Tiffany’s children; and Alexander, Joseph, and Nathaniel, children of Jennifer and Peter. She was preceded in death by her former husband and the father of her children, Donald William Moncreaff, in 2017 and by her parents, Santiago Soares da Costa and Carmelita Rangel Soares, and siblings Jurandyr Soares and Tânia Maria Soares.

Valdete is also survived by her siblings in Brazil: Nair Soares Miranda, Phascoa Soares Rossoni, Joelson Soares, Juracy Soares, Lourdes Soares, Marlene Soares, Cacilda Soares da Silva, and Maruza Soares Cosmi. The legacy of Valdete's faith, strength and love of learning lives on in her family, who will forever cherish her memory.

Please join us for a Funeral Mass in honor of Valdete on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Blessed Trinity Parish - St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, located at 107 North Main Street, Westford, Massachusetts, 01886.

We invite you to share your cherished memories of Valdete and upload photos here to her memorial page. Celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman who touched many lives and made many friends along the way. 

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA 01460. 978-486-3706