I am so sad to hear about valerie. I was a co worker with Ed in the car wash insustry. He was one of the reps i supported through hanna car wash systems here in oregon. I live in vancouver, WA. I remember my visit to their home in brookhaven during christmas where they treated me with soooo much kindness took me around PA and showed me so many historical things. I was also there the day after 911. We went to see the liberty bell ellis island and the statue of liberty. Valerie was so talented with her art. I lost touch with her shortly after Ed passed. And just found out about valeries passing today as i was trying to get back in touch with her. I have some wonderful memories of both valerie and Ed. I still have sime of her paintings that i will cherish forever. She will me extremly missed.

Valerie, dear Sharon friend since 1963. I see you finally lost your long fought battle and are reunited with the love of your life, Ed. I wish we could have spoken 1 more time. I am glad Tom and I got to see you in your beautiful apartment in the fall. You reminded me of Jacqueline Kennedy with all your beautiful things about you. You were such a beautiful person and it came out in your art and now though much to soon you have earned your much deserved reward in heaven in pain no more, thank you Valerie for our friendship.

Pat Brooks Raum, Sharon 67

Dear John, Ginny and family,

I was so very upset to hear that Valerie passed away. We would text each other often and she wanted to get back to her apt before we came to see her. She was my very first friend at Donnelley Directory/YB. I enjoyed working with her for 24 yrs. She was such an amazing, loving 'like older sister" to me. Jean, who passed recently too and Valerie and I spent so much time together. I have so many pieces of her artwork, all her Christmas cards, and every single little doodle she ever did for me! We shared weddings, funerals, birth of my son. Ironically I was going through our art closet and came across the watercolor iris she painted for me ages ago, it was Sat. April 23. I wish I'd have known she passed earlier. We loved the same flowers, Longwood Gardens and art. While the death of Ed was horrible for her it was the rebirth of her relationship with her dear Mom and Ginny. I feel like I know all of you-- saw the nieces and nephews grow, graduate, marry& all the art she made for them. Know the DiNicola's the same way. We were more than just work family. She loved life so very much and it breaks my heart that she left way too early. She brought so much joy to the world with her art and her beautiful smile and blonde highlights! She adored her baby brother John and I have so many pics/texts on my phone from her visits to OCNJ with her Mom and Ginny/John. I will never delete them. I was at her townhouse to get some items before she moved. She gave our son Liam art that Ed had from his Andretti days, pottery bowl for me from a potter we both loved. I'm going to make a donation to Longwood in her name. I am so very sorry for your loss. Valerie was an amazing woman- who endured a lot of pain but loved so deeply. I will always see her face in the flowers we loved and the ocean scenes we both loved to photograph. GOd Bless- Susan

I am so sad to see Valerie's obituary in the paper today. I just thought of her recently and was preparing to reconnect with her after losing touch many years ago. We went to Studio School of Art and Design together, graduating in 1968. I remember she was waiting for Ed to come home from the service and I was waiting for Bob. She was a bridesmaid in Bob's and my wedding in 1969. After that we lost touch, but I am glad to see she married her Ed. She was a special friend in Art School and I am glad to see that we both had a life career as Graphic Artists. I pray for strength and peace for the remaining family.