Valerie A. Duffeck (Nee Waldron)

A memorial celebration will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm with a service at 4:00pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek, WI 53154.

Valerie Duffeck, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on 10/9/26 while chaperoning her beloved consumers on a field trip to the Wisconsin Dells.

Valerie was born on 4/26/47 in Lisburn, Northern Ireland to Charles Anthony Waldron and Isabella Waldron. Her father was in the British Royal Airforce during Valerie’s formative years, and she lived in many localities in Britain and Northern Ireland as her father was assigned to different Airforce bases. As a result of her travels, she developed the skill of adaptation and the ability to quickly making friends during her early years. She was an exceptional student and won awards in track and field as a hurdler.

She graduated from Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario with degrees in nursing and special education in 1972. In 1975, Valerie immigrated to the USA with her son, Anthony. She obtained an entry level position as a teacher’s aide for the Racine School District at Olympia Brown School in Racine, working with special needs children. From there, she obtained a supervisor’s position at Careers Industries (then called Careers for Retarded Adults) in 1977. Careers provided vocational day services to adults with cognitive and physical challenges. At that time, Careers was operated from a small farmhouse on HWY KR with perhaps 10 consumers. Valerie quickly displayed her talents for innovation, vision, organization and was appointed Executive Director of Careers. Under her great leadership, Careers expanded from this small farmhouse to 2 large industrial buildings in Racine and Burlington, 2 retail stores, employing over 140 cognitive and physically challenged adults, all earning wages and paying taxes. She left Careers in 1988.

One of the proudest days of her life was in 1984 when she became a naturalized U.S. citizen. This was an achievement that brought her great pride and joy.

Valerie was united in marriage with David Duffeck on 3/24/84. Together, Valerie and David founded Alpha Homes of Wisconsin, Inc. in 1986, which was established in order to provide community-based residential living opportunities to cognitively and physically challenged adults in State-licensed four-person adult homes. She was extremely proud of Alpha Homes of Wisconsin, and to the day of her passing, continued to work tirelessly, proudly, and passionately to ensure that all Alpha’s consumers are given every chance to live successful, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. Valerie also obtained many advanced certifications and licenses in order to advance her knowledge and skills in an effort to be better able serve and meet the daily needs of our consumers. Today, Alpha Homes operates 27 adult family homes in Racine and Kenosha Counties, serving over 90 consumers.

Finally, Valerie and family lost their grandchild, Shaymus Guinn in 2012 at the young age of 11 after a 4-year battle with a rare form of pediatric cancer. It would not be an exaggeration to say Valerie had a truly remarkable, unbreakable, unique, loving bond with Shaymus that words cannot truly describe. Love would not be a big enough word to describe their bond. After the devastation of his passing, in order to do homage to his courage and legacy, Valerie and her daughter, Sarah Duffeck, founded the Shaymus Guinn Foundation in an effort to help and assist and support the children and families who have or are experiencing the catastrophe of a child with pediatric cancer. The foundation has provided financial support to an abundance of families fighting this disease.

Valerie took great joy in hosting family gatherings and holiday celebrations, cherishing the time spent bringing her loved ones together and creating lasting memories. A native of Northern Ireland she treasured returning home to spend time with family and remained deeply connected to her roots through out her life. Valerie was truly the heart of our family and of Alpha Homes. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.

Valerie was proceeded in death by her parents and grandson. She is survived by her loving husband David Duffeck and her daughter Sarah Duffeck and son and daughter in law Tony Guinn and Desiree Guinn. Grandchildren – Eleanor and Charlotte Francis. Also survived by other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Celebration will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm with a service at 4:00pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek, WI 53154.