Obituary of Valerie Leigh Dashiell

In Loving Memory

Valerie Leigh Dashiell (née Smith), born October 14, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, passed away September 4, 2022, in Chandler, Arizona with her family by her side. She is survived by her beloved husband, James (Jim); her son, Branden; her daughter and son-in-law, Courtney and Ray Lorentz; her grandchildren, Audrey and Whitney; her loving sister, Kimberly (Kim) Albrecht and Kim’s family; as well as her many nieces and nephews.

Valerie graduated from Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Michigan in 1967, and from Central Michigan University in 1971. She and Jim married on April 1, 1972, and celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year. Before starting their family, Valerie taught second and third grade in Michigan. She also taught preschool in Illinois for over 30 years, primarily at Trinity Nursery School in Wilmette, Illinois.

Val touched the lives of countless children and families with her gifted and inspirational teaching style and unconditional love. A talented flautist, Val would captivate her classroom by playing music from Peter and the Wolf.

In addition to her skill as a teacher, dedication as a wife and mother, and flair as a homemaker, Valerie was an exceptional dancer. She loved to throw parties, cook delectable meals, have fun, and care for others. She was captain of the majorettes in high school and served as social coordinator for her sorority, Delta Zeta. One particularly memorable soiree she loved to recount involved hayrides at a local farm in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

In 1982, Valerie founded the soup kitchen at Hemenway United Methodist Church, which still serves the community to this day. Valerie is adored and cherished by all her friends and family. To know her is to love her. The world has lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has gained an angel.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to express sympathy may consider making a donation to Hemenway United Methodist Church in Valerie's name: https://hemenwayumc.com/giving