Valerie May Swanson Bloom, of Mesa, Arizona, passed peacefully at home on May 13, 2017 at the age of 90. Valerie was born May 1, 1927 in Omaha Nebraska to Clarence and Louise Swanson. Valerie was very passionate about helping others and was dedicated in her career as a Registered Nurse, while actively devoting herself to a life of Christ alongside her husband. Valerie was very active in the Episcopal Church. She was also a volunteer with Chandler Regional Hospital, a member of the Red Hat Society, and a gold medal winner in the Senior Olympics. Valerie is survived by her husband of 67 years, Reverend Carl R. Bloom; her son Mark Bloom and his children Scott (Tamara) and Sara (Nick); her son Paul (Nancy) Bloom and their children Julie (Nick) and Jeff; her son John (Debbi) Bloom and their children Kristen (Ron), Eric, and Katrina (Aaron); her daughter Anne Bloom and her children Eddie, John, and Timothy (Kelly); and her daughter Susan Bloom and her children Kristina (Trent) and Patrick (Emily); and her four great granddaughters Natalie, Tansy, Isla, and Hayden. She is predeceased by her sister Claire and her brother Eric. A memorial service will be held for Valerie on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 11a.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church 322 N. Horne Street, Mesa AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Published in The Arizona Republic on May 23, 2017.