Valerie French Obituary

Valerie French

Mar 4, 1955 - Jul 6, 2023

Wakeman

Valerie French, 68, of Wakeman, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland.

She was born March 4, 1955, in Olean, New York, to Maynard and Verna Bell. She married the love of her life, Larry French, in June, 1977.

Valerie received her bachelor's degree at Bowling Green State University and Master's degree at Ashland University. For many years, she served as an educator and administrator, where she inspired many and abundantly loved her students. Valerie was a devout Catholic and spent her entire life serving God. By doing so, many have reaped the benefits of her faithful service.

Valerie lived each day to the fullest with a joyful spirit. She took pride in gardening, her artwork, loved hiking, kayaking, and fishing. She shared her love for adventure and the outdoors with her nine grandchildren. She was an MVP, grand champion grandmother who didn't miss a beat keeping up with her grandkids' many activities and aspirations. They were truly her pride and joy and we know she now has the best seat in the house.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Larry French; children, Hilary (Chris) Barbuto, Barrett (Chandra) French, and Justin (Libby) French; grandchildren, Talia and Dominic Barbuto, Hannah, Claire, and Audrey French, and Grace, Travis, Addie, and Wade French; brothers, Lee (Alicen) Bell and Mark (Jane) Bell; sister, Barbara (Paul) Jensen; many nieces and nephews; and numerous other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maynard and Verna Bell; and brother, Matthew Bell.

Visitation for family and friends will be 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 91 E. Main Street, Norwalk, with FR Anthony Recker officiating. A luncheon will follow in the gathering space. Valerie's graveside service will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Cemetery, Wakeman.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Norwalk Area United Fund, 2 E. Seminary St., Norwalk Ohio, 44857, or Sorrowful Mother Shrine, 4106 State Route 269, Bellevue, Ohio, 44811.