BLANCHESTER — Even though Shirley Vallee died more than a year ago, she continues to contribute to her community.

Substantial donations had been given to various Blanchester entities including the Blanchester-Marion Township Fire District, the Blanchester Church of Christ, and the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery. The donations were left to them in Vallee’s will.

“I’ve known the family a long time,” said a Blanchester-Marion Twp. firefighter (who asked that his name be withheld). “They’ve always bought us stuff. They’ve donated money to us for many, many years.”

According to him, the fire department had received $100,000 from Vallee.

In the past, they had received donations from her and her late husband, Dr. Richard Vallee. These donations helped the Fire District buy its first thermal imagining camera, which cost around $18,000.

The firefighter indicated that if they wanted to use any of the donated money they would have to get approval from the Fire Board.

Paul Casteel, Pastor of the Blanchester Church of Christ, confirmed the church had received a “substantial amount” but he did not wish to specify the amount.

This was not the first time Vallee had donated to the church. Among her past donations, she was able to help the church obtain a bus.

“She was able to do a lot of things for the church,” said Casteel. “She was a wonderful blessing for the community.”

The News Journal was not able to confirm the donation and amount made to the cemetery after contacting affiliates with IOOF.