Dear Kevin so so sad to hear of Valerie sudden passing What a gorgeous person and so loved by Our girls Teri and Onelia They are going about with heavy hearts so broken hearted She was so kind to Matt and myself and the boys also had a great love for Maria RIP and always asked about Nancy was a great comfort to us in our grief Rest in Peace Valerie Kevin I hope you feel surrounded by much Love at this sad time Bee Matt Whelan

Dear Kevin
I’m so sorry to hear about Valerie’s passing. I can’t imagine how you are all feeling. So just to say, even though it’s been some years since I last saw you both, I remember how lovely she was and how many good times there were.
Deepest sympathy at this terrible time.

Posted by Marion Wakeham

Dear Kevin,

I was so very shocked to hear the sad news of dear Valerie.
I most kind and beautiful lady.
I never forget her kindness to me when I was unfortunately in hospital when visiting Dubai. Valerie visited me every day and made sure I had magazines to read and even gave me her hairdryer as she knew this would make me feel and look better.
My thoughts are very much with you, we truly share your sadness.
Take care my dear
All my best wishes
Marion Wakeham (Rogers mother, Onelia's grandmother).
xxxxxxxx

I am so very shocked and saddened to hear this heartbreaking news. Whenever I think of living in Riyadh, Valerie’s beautiful presence comes to my mind. Although I was so young (only 4-6 years of age), I vividly remember how sweet and full of life Valerie was! I always envision a specific memory, which I have in the form of a picture, of us dancing at one of the compounds. I had my spice girls t-shirt on and Val and I were dancing hand in hand - we were sure having a blast! Thank you for being such a beautiful and bright light in this world. You will be dearly missed. Rest in paradise to an amazing woman! God Bless! xoxo

Shasily (Wandikayi & Patti’s daughter)

Valerie, my treasured friend, I can’t believe that you are gone. I have felt numb since I heard.
We met on our first day in secondary school in 1970. Over the years since we have shared many laughs, joy, fun and laughter. You always had such a cheery outlook on life that you were never sad in your company for long.
The fabulous holidays we had together. The first as 16 year olds to Austria, the last being to New York for our 60 ths.
You were with me the night I met Alistair. Bridesmaid at our wedding, godmother to our first child. Treasured Auntie to our three children. You always showered them with gifts and hugs.
Thank you for being a special friend through all the ups and downs. I will cherish the memories we made together. While we have all aged you have stayed young forever.

Lots of love
Janette

Some people touch everyone who they come across in indelible wonderful ways. Valerie you were one such person. I’m sure many feel that you’re gone, but you will always be with us in our memories of wonderful you! Rest In Peace!

We never met you but we felt we knew you as your grieving sister Linda talked so much about you when we visited her every week Rest In Peace Valerie .
Eternal Rest Grant Unto Her O Lord

R.I.P
Kate and Willie xxx

Valerie

Knowing you and Kevin over 30 years has been a privilege in our lives, and we will cherish the times spent with you both. Life is very cruel, and you have left us far too soon.

We remember back to parties in Holmfirth - you joined in all the fun and tried to keep the Sidebottom boys in order (which was a thankless task).

Full of humour, joy and (sometimes biting) wit! We shared lots of good times and even the bad ones.

Some our best holidays were spent with you – visiting you in Dubai, chilling out in Thailand and skiing – you were always easy company, caring, kind and considerate. The memories of you will always be happy ones.

You never seemed to grow older, even when we saw you on Russ's birthday Zoom, the girls wanted to know your secret.

You enjoyed your life, your travels and your cats. You were often surrounded by wonderful things, but the most wonderful of all was you.

You will always be with us Valerie, within our hearts and memories.

Mike & Angela

“You can shed tears that she is gone. Or you can smile because she has lived”.
(Marie Curie)

Although we didn't know Valerie too well, its tragic that she passed away far too soon.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Kevin, family and friends.
Brian and Jackie Dingle

Dearest Valerie what a void you leave in my life and I'm sure everyone else's who had the good fortune to know you. You were such a beautiful person, inside and out. You had time for everyone, you always listened and showed true empathy. You were supremely kind and generous but most of all you were fun. Your wicked sense of humour and mischief was legendary but never at anyone's expense. Our time together in Riyadh as workmates and playmates was a golden moment in time filled with the happiest of memories treasured forever. Love and laughter will follow you wherever you go.

Valerie, I've known you since we started Primary School together, and you were one of the most kind, considerate and loving friends to have. We have shared some wonderful holidays which will always give me special memories, the last being our trip to New York for our 60th. I'll miss your daily what's apps which always put a smile on my face over the last year. Thanks for being a very special friend.

Kevin - our deepest sympathy at this terrible time... so sorry for your loss. Whilst we had only met Valerie a few times over the years we know she was a wonderful person. May she rest in peace. Declan, Annmarie & Matthew King

Valerie, although we knew you over many years from Riyadh days, we came closer when we moved into the Green Community - a move inspired by yourselves - your design taste was always impeccable! Over those years, we spent many days sharing and enjoying breakfasts, BBQs and dinners out (as well as a few visa runs!), hearing about your lives and your holidays (and Kevin's terrible jokes!). And so we got to know you, the kindest, sweetest, funniest and most humble person I know - with a wicked sense of humour! You just loved Matthew and spoilt him rotten with a constant supply of sweets, chocolates and love - he adored you. You saw him grow from a babe to a giant, but still managed to give him big hugs - he is devastated as are we, but we have a thousand texts, memories and photographs, and you live on in our lives with those. Bless you and thank you - you will always be in our hearts...

My beautiful friend Valerie. We have been friends since nursery/primary school. Our times together have always been full of joy, love, laughter and lots of fun. Not forgetting all our wonderful blethers. My goodness, we never stopped talking until the wee small hours. Next again day we started blethering all over again. Cherished moments. Your kindness, compassion, love and friendship I will always cherish. You have and will always light up all our lives with your beautiful smile. Your in the arms of an Angel Valerie. Fly high my dear friend. All my love Caroline Edmond. Xxxxxxx

Well Valerie - I read these words written by your family and friends and know that I cannot improve upon their sentiments. You were and will remain absolutely lovely and true to yourself. Kindness personified and without any pretensions - just Valerie and the ideal companion and foil for Kevin. His call on Saturday with the most dreadful of news was scarcely believable. Even now I am numb and cannot imagine not seeing you walking with Teri and Onelia in some Mall, laughing at some joke (hopefully at the expense of Kevin). This was not a note I imagined I would ever write and you will be sorely missed. Love Rog xxxx

Posted by Linda Murray
Valerie, my very much loved sister and best friend. You were always there for me. I remember all the laughs and fun times we had. All the daft things we used to do and we always ended up laughing. You were a very kind and extremely generous sister. I will miss our weekly chats on the phone, especially when you asked me to speak to Timmy and Bella (two stray cats). I loved coming out to see you in Dubai. You were a great host. You have left far too early. A light has gone out in my life. I know you have gone to a better place and you will be with the angels. I will never forget you. Until we meet again. Lots of love Linda xxx

Valerie, you were the custodian of ‘our Kev’s’ whole being and for that alone we all thank you. One thing we’ll guarantee is that we’ll never forget and if we all take forward with us just a little piece of what you were then the world will be a better place.

Rest in peace sweetie.

Rusty, Tracey, Jamie and Charlie

Moving in next door to you in the Green Community 16 years ago I remember the first day we met when you came in for drinks, we were so pleased to have found such lovely neighbours (Think it involved a few too many whiskeys as I recall!!) Seems like yesterday!

We remained good friends since that day sharing many chats over the garden wall, dinners, parties and drinks.
You have watched our then little 2 year old boy grow up to become a man and Alex will always remember your generosity and friendship throughout his life here.

I will always remember our common love of music and dance at the many zumba classes we shared and the laughs we had trying to remember the moves!

It will never be the same as I walk up my stairs and look down expecting to see your smiling face and a quick wave from the kitchen or whilst cuddling your furry friends in the garden.

We will miss your generous, kind, loving and caring presence in this world, you were one very special lady,

Rest in Peace Valerie,

Janey, Davie, Alex and Chip

To my beautiful beautiful friend,

There are no words to describe the void.... you touched my life and many others in such a magical way.... selfless humble & true.
I am sooo blessed to have known you and sooo utterly devastated.
It unbelievable that I am writing this to you, so many thoughts and memories flashing in and out throughout my mind.
Valarie you were always the positive light, truly always seeing the unusual funny side of life. You were a rarity always seeing the good.
Everyone who met you never forgot you (for the right reasons) my family and friends would always ask for you before me :-)! Or when are we going to see Valerie (and Kev).
You had an uncanny knack of always touching the heart and hurt of everyone without judgement whilst always providing that ray of hope and humour.

As you once said ‘magical creatures just need to rest their wings’
My beautiful beautiful friend xxxxxxxx
heartbroken 

Kevin, Sandra and Linda you are soo in my thoughts

Valerie, you were a sister in a million. Loving; kind; caring and generous to a fault. Always putting everyone and your many stray cat friends above yourself. We shared many funny moments in life and I will always cherish the good times. My heart is broken, but I take comfort knowing that you have gone to a beautiful place to be with mum; nana and all the furry friends that you looked after so well. You are greatly missed and will never be forgotten. A life cut short, but well lived.
Lots of love, Sandra XXX

My dearest, beautiful and sweet Valerie.

The first time we met we were set up by one of your friends (Lynn Bo) from Scotland on a chaperoned blind date. She had been telling me for months (and apparently you too!) that we would be perfect for each other.....and when we were eventually introduced (as we have laughed about many times) the anti-climax was palpable on both sides.....and clearly it wasn't going to work!

Some months later we got scheduled together on a week of night shifts and started to get to know and like each other a little better. So let's give it another shot and try another date - unchaperoned this time - it's bound to work we said❤.

Well actually no - we couldn't agree on virtually anything, but we did afterwards agree it was probably the most irritating, frustrating date we have both ever had.

Somehow though we must have known, as we persevered with date 2, date 3 etc. and fast forward 35 years we have been irritating and frustrating one another ever since - but ALWAYS, ALWAYS mixed with massive amounts of support and unconditional love for each other - for which I will be eternally grateful.

We have shared so many amazing memories together over the years, surrounded by great friends and family and to put it simply - you are the best thing that ever happened to me. I would pinch myself regularly to think that you actually picked me ....... and as my mates (???) keep telling me, I have been punching well above my weight all this time - I can't really argue with that!

I am going to miss your smiling face so much. I'm not sure what I am going to do now, but I do know for sure it will be pretty rubbish without you.

Rest in peace my love,

Kevin

We had so many great times together as a foursome - cut short far too abruptly. We will miss your bright, fun effervescent company very much. Dubai and our lives will not be the same. Rest in peace Valerie

Valerie , my dearest friend, One of the kindest , most thoughtful , giving and caring people I’ve ever met . What am I going to do without your whacky sense of humour , our endless blethers and your unquestioning support ? You went much too soon!! I’m broken hearted and am going to miss you so so much . Rest in peace lovely lady.

To my Godmother Auntie Valarie,
I hope you are reading this, wherever you are.
I feel like this is a horrible nightmare and all I want to do is wake up.
I miss you terribly.
There are so many things I had left to say to you, so many complaints about my mother I had left to complain to you about ( and agree about !).
You were and still are one of the best people I have ever met, I can’t begin to tell you how grateful and proud I am to have been a part of your life.
I know it’s cliché to say but whatever room you stood in, it really did light up and I will forever be looking for you wherever I am.
Whether my mum likes this or not, you were her better half and I will never forget how you made us laugh and smile. You were so special and I love you so so much.
I never wanted to know what the world was like without you so until we meet again, you will forever be in my heart.
Coke, Mamma Mia Violet creams and chocolate dreams these are a few of my favourite things.

Forever in my heart Valerie

Valarie, you will be in our thoughts for ever, we will miss all the WhatsApp Gif's we shared on a daily basis.
We will reminisce on the great times we had over in Dubai.
Thank you for being a special person in our lives.
Thank you for being a great sister -in -law.
Sleep tight, we will always love you.
Pam & Stewart