At almost a year and a half after her passing, I am just now hearing of it. It brings a tear to my eye knowing that this unique and beautiful person is gone from this earth, but I also smile when I think of all the joy she brought to my life as a teacher. She was one of my favorites. She taught French, but included a healthy dose of world philosophy, present in Le Petit Prince and the works of Sartre. No where else did I find this level of educational synergy. I will continue to smile as I think of the skirts, the scarves, the hair, the laugh, and the joy. Rest in peace, Madame. Ceci n'est pas une pipe.

Sally dear friend, it is a year today since your passing. The radiance of your being still echoes in my heart. Your love and inspiration are eternal in all of us.

I was deeply saddened by the knowledge of Mme's passing. Some of my most joyous memories of SHS in the early 80's are from her class. I cherish the thoughts of her constant admonitions to "fermez la bouche!!" and "Alphonse, la-bas!!" The trips to L'Auberge and those seemingly endless cups of onion soup and the delectable crepes.
I had the privilege to again meet up with Mme while house-sitting in DeKalb in the mid-90's. She never missed a beat. Her loss is greatly felt, and it is with great pride to say how much she impacted my own life as well as so many others. I can only hope to impart her love of life and learning to my own students. Her passion, soul and very essence was for kids and teaching. She is missed. My most sincere and heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to the Valette family.


A bientot Madame, et nous nous rencontrerons de nouveau un jour!!

I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Valette's passing. The Valettes were our neighbors in DeKalb in the early 1970s. Mrs. Valette shared her wonderful recipe for French Bread with my mother, who made it almost every day of my childhood. Proust had his madeleines, and I have that bread. My condolences to the family, especially Robert and Alain.

Madame Vallette was such a sparkling star. She had a passion for teaching, and would work so hard with her students until they "got it right." Now I am encouraging my young children to learn French due to her influence. Through the years, I was reminded of her often because of environmental issues she spoke of, Paris fashion, mutual friends, or just how to be a great human being ("Always bring something to a party!"). She was unique in all the world. The impression she left on us will be forever on our hearts.