Susan Banghart Valenstein

CAMBRIDGE - Susan Banghart Valenstein, 82, died at her home, Monday afternoon, April 16, 2007.

Born on Aug. 24, 1924 in Maquoketa, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Frank L. Banghart and Mary Richardson Banghart.

She was a graduate of Maquoketa High School, Maquoketa, Iowa and Goucher College, Towson, where she was a sorority member of the Kappa Alpha Theta.

On Feb. 22, 1947, she married Col. Earle L. Valenstein, who died on April 8, 2006.

A resident of Cambridge for 27 years, Mrs. Valenstein became quite active in the community. She was a member of Beckwith United Methodist Church. Mrs. Valenstein was also a member of the Cambridge Yacht Club, Dorchester General Hospital Auxiliary and the Dorchester County Historical Society. Mrs. Valenstein was also a member of the Isaac Walton League, one of the nation's oldest and most respected conservation organizations. An avid reader, she enjoyed investments and political science.

Mrs. Valenstein is survived by her two sons, Retired Maj. John E. of Fredericksburg, Va., and Martin R. of Laguna Hills, Calif.; a daughter-in-law, Kathleen E.; three grandchildren, Kendall L., Grant R., and Alexandra D., all of Laguna Hills, Calilf.; and a brother-in-law, Jerry R. Valenstein of Baltimore.

Preceding her in death besides her parents and husband, were a brother, Frank L. Banghart Jr., and two sisters, Abigail B. Klein and Jane B. Evensen.

The family will receive friends Friday, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Curran-Bromwell Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge, where a Service of Remembrance will be held at 5 p.m. with a reception to follow. Burial services will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

The family suggests that persons desiring to make memorial donations in lieu of sending flowers make contributions to the Dorchester General Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 439, Cambridge, MD 21613.

To send letters of condolences, visit www.curran-bromwell.com