Valjean Louise McKenzie

Of Bremerton, Washington

May 4, 1925 to September 22, 2016

Valjean Louise McKenzie was born May 4, 1925 in Ralston, Oklahoma to Aubry and Myrtle Frazier, and was called home to be with the Lord on September 22, the first day of Autumn, 2016. Valjean passed away peacefully in Bremerton, Washington surrounded by family.

Valjean moved with her family from Oklahoma to Arcata, California in the late 1930s. She attended Arcata High School and received degrees from both Humbolt State University in Arcata and Biola University in Los Angeles. It was in Arcata, while working at Arcata First Baptist Church after graduating from Biola, that Valjean met Clif McKenzie, Jr. After a long and interesting courtship, Clif finally convinced Valjean to marry him. It was a love that lasted them both a lifetime. They were married in 1954 in Arcata and then Valjean moved with Clif to Bremerton where he had lived with his family since finishing his service in the Navy after WWII. Valjean and Clif purchased a home that had been war-time housing in East Bremerton and soon started their family. Clif predeceased Valjean in 1994. She continued to live in that same small, warm and always welcoming home until the time of her death.

She had a deep faith, love for the Lord and a love for people. She delighted in a quiet visit with a neighbor or a spirited family gathering with Valjean always at the heart. She shared her strength and quiet faith through her notes and cards, a gentle touch of her hand, and always by example.

Valjean was the loving older sister in a family of six children. Her close friend and brother, Aubry Dale Frazier currently resides at Washington Veterans Home in Retsil, Washington. She was predeceased by sisters Mary Lou and Edith and brothers Vene and Newel.

Valjean is survived by her six children, who will miss deeply her love, laughter, calm guidance and gracious charm; Clif (Kathy), Linda McKenzie George (Frank), Mary McKenzie Pritchard (Mike), Ginger Waye (Bob), Joe (Kate), John (Terri). She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren each of whom brought much joy to her life; Kristian (Heidi), Kara (Casey), Kyle (Lindsey), C.K., Callie, Kate, Joe, Cade, Jenna, Meghan, Clifton, Patrick and Olivia; five great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 14th at 1p.m. at Miller-Woodlawn Chapel in Bremerton. The service will be followed by a reception. There will be a visitation, also at Miller-Woodlawn, on the evening of October 4th from 5 to 8p.m.

Donations in memory of Valjean’s generous spirit can be made to either the Kitsap County Regional Library Fund (1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA 98310) or the Bremerton Foodline (P.O. Box 824, Bremerton, WA 98337).