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Valerie McAVOY Obituary
Val was born on May 5, 1930, in Philadelphia, where she spent her childhood. She moved to Ventnor, N.J., and graduated from Atlantic City Friends School before attending Georgetown Visitation, in Washington, D.C. She then settled in Hampton Roads.
One of Val's greatest passions in life was working with young people. She raised four daughters and worked for many years in the Newport News Public Schools as a library assistant. Throughout her life, she continuously ministered to teenagers, many of whom considered her a second mother.
Val was deeply involved in the Catholic Church and ministered to many types of people. One of her friends aptly dubbed her "St. Val of the Disenfranchised." Besides her family, Val most loved the ocean, a nice glass of wine, reading, crossword puzzles, and a good laugh.
She is survived by her four daughters, Anne Frederick (Bruce), Judy, Edie Moorcones (Mike), and Lisa (Sara); five grandchildren, Leslee Chilberti, Matt and Catie Moorcones, Megan McAvoy and Nicole Frederick; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 7 p.m.
In honor of Val, the family will be collecting children's books and new teddy bears at the funeral Mass to be donated to local charities. Or, donations can be made to a favorite charity.
Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Dr., in Hampton, 757-825-8070. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Valerie McAVOY
January 25, 2010
Lisa, don't know if you remember me but we worked together many years when I was at Merck in DC. Sorry to read about your mom in the Catholic Virginian. Never knew her but I can tell she was a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Kathleen McClevey, Blacksburg, VA.
Rana Husten
January 25, 2010
Mrs.Mcavoy touched my heart and she will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Robin McCormick
January 18, 2010
Lisa,
Your mom is one of those people that just can't be forgotten. I met her when you worked at the Daily Press. I saw her photo and was taken back more than 25 years. Though I only saw your mom a few times, I felt instantly comfortable with her, like we'd known each other all our lives. Your comfortable rapport with her was so beautiful. I think we were just out of college then, and to keep that closeness with your mom while you were also establishing your independence shows how special you both were.
I'm so sorry for your loss,
Robin
January 18, 2010
Edie, Mike, Matt and Catie (and all of Valerie's loved ones). I was so sad to hear that Val passed away. She will always have a special place in our hearts. She always made us feel welcome and loved. Your family will forever remain in our hearts, prayers and thoughts. We miss you all <3
Mary Urrutia
January 16, 2010
Lisa & family - Lisa, we worked together at the Daily Press, and,tho you may not remember me, I remember well the brief but very happy times I spent around your family! What great memories you have to comfort you! I lost my Mom this year, too; I didn't see this coming and thought (selfishly) that Moms are ours forever. May your memories comfort you and your family at this difficult time.
Jim Plick
January 16, 2010
Lisa and family
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jen & Joel
January 16, 2010
Dear Lisa, Sara and Val's family -
Wow, it's truly amazing how many people your mom has touched! You are so blessed. May these 'connections' sustain you as you work through your grief. We're thinking of you and sending our love.
XOXO
Jen and Joel
Valerie Hixon
January 15, 2010
Judy and Edie,
What a beautiful funeral Mass your mother had! She was obviously loved by many; I know she touched my life. My first memory of her is hearing her speak at an RCIA class when I was pregnant with Holly and Bill was converting - she was so strong and convincing in her faith! Saturday night Mass isn't going to be the same without her.
Love,
George Martin
January 15, 2010
Dear Edie, Lisa, and family,
It is with mixed emotion that I approach Val's home-going. I know that these last years were difficult for Val and I rejoice that she is free of distress and pain, but I mourn the loss of her light in the world. All who knew Val thought of her as a "Mom" figure, She was so full of love, compassion, respect, good advice, and correction when needed that all who knew her felt protected, caredfor, and greatly loved by the kind, honest, and caring woman she was in life. Know that each of you are in the thoughts and prayers of all who knew Val as we know how big the loss of Val must be for your family. We send much love, many prayers, and lots of great memories your way in the hope that our shared faith, that was so precious to Val, and those memories of better days, will bring you each great comfort in these days, Unfortunately, my health will not allow me to be with you in person tonight, but know that I will be with you in thought and prayer. May Christ the Good Shepherd grant you each peace and comfort day by day.
Celebrate big, we all have much to be thankful for in Val's life. May her legacy to all be a rich appreciation of faith, and love of family and friends.
With prayerful good wishes!
George C. Martin
Julie Moroni
January 15, 2010
Val - you truly will be missed!
Dan and Ann Ruggaber
January 15, 2010
Dear Ann, Edie, Judy and Lisa, We were sorry to hear of Val's death. She was a very special lady and will be missed. She was a huge support to me during my time on the staff at OLMC, both in helping out and ready with a glass of wine for moral support. We had a lot of lunches together with tears and laughter. We are in a campus parish in Valparaiso, IN now and will make a donation to the campus ministry in her memory. Sincerely, Dan and Ann Ruggaber
Genie Shires
January 15, 2010
Lisa, Edie, Anne and Judy,
I have such wonderful memories of visiting your mom for Kentucky Derby parties and at Christmas time. She was a great lady and special person. My family's thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
Love,
Genie Shires (Osolinsky)
Andy Doye
January 15, 2010
I'll never forget Val. Prayers and best wishes for everybody. Sorry I can't be there on Friday, I will be praying for you guys!
Candiss (Acosta) Cox
January 15, 2010
Val, words cannot express the joy you brought to my life!!! Thank you for being you, the angel God put in my life...You will be missed here on earth, but I know you are still watching over us!!!!
Matt Grinsell
January 15, 2010
"When did I see you hungry, thirsty, naked, in prison, ill and minister to you?"
'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Val saw those in need, and she did for the least. Her reward will be great. Our reward of knowing her has been great, indeed.
January 14, 2010
Lisa, Judy, Anne and Edie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Val was a wonderful person who touched the lives of so many of us. I will always remember the times we shared when she was up visiting Lisa. She was my second mom. May the love and prayers of those who loved her and and those who love all of you bring you some comfort in your time of sadness.
Love,
Liz Muller Gardner
jeannie hager
January 14, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
January 14, 2010
ANNE,JUDY,EDIE.LISA, I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF VAL'S PASSING. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON,AND WE HAD GREAT TIMES,WHEN I WAS DOING HER HAIR.THAT WAS 30YRS. AGO.VAL WAS LOVED BY EVERYONE,AND SHE LOVED THEM.
LOVE TO YOU ALL BELVIE TURNER
Tish Corey
January 14, 2010
To Judy-
I am so sorry to have read about your mom.
I hope you are finding comfort in your family and friends at such a sad time in your life. I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you.
Jane Kimidy
January 14, 2010
Edie: Am keeping you in my prayers. I remember your Mom and her presence at the youth retreats, so warm and accepting. My boys surely loved her. Will give you a call as soon as I can. Peace Jane Kimidy
Jack Burks
January 14, 2010
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. I`ll be prating for you and your family. Take care, former Point Option classmate, Jack
Michael & Isabel Amarando
January 13, 2010
We love you Aunt Val. May the Lord welcome you home with open arms.We'll always cherish the good times we spent together...Love to all the McAvoy girls
January 13, 2010
To Edie and Family,
You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time, please accept my most sincere sympathy and Edie, I will be in touch.
Karen McKown
Marilyn Norris-Buggs
January 13, 2010
To Lisa and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of Ms McAvoy at the then Carver Intermediate School. It was my 8th grade year and I was a helper in the library. I looked forward to seeing Ms McAvoy each day. She gave me advice on personal issues as well as took time to listen to me. I will treasure that time forever. Lisa, you and I were classmates in the 7th grade at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Mrs. Powell's class. I counted it a blessing to have known you.
Blessings Always,
January 13, 2010
Megan and Judy, we were very saddened to hear of Mrs. McAvoy's passing. Please accept our most sincere sympathy and know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Richard and Becky Thomas (Austin, TX)
Baby Boutique Consignments
January 13, 2010
I didn't know Ms. Val, but she certainly has a delightful Granddaugher in Nicole Frederick. My prayers and heartfelt sympathies go out to Nicole and her family as they carry the void that Ms Val's passing must have left.
January 13, 2010
Val had been a patient of our office for over 30 years. More than a patient, she was really a member of our family. We loved talking and laughing with her and she will be greatly missed. Our prayers and sympathy go out to her family who we also love very much.
Dr. William Trolenberg and Staff,(previously Dr. John Ames office)
January 13, 2010
TO THE MCAVOY FAMILY
ALL OF US WILSON FROM WILSON
76 WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR FAMILY YOUR MOM WAS SO LOVING AND ALL OF YOU GIRL WERE GREAT I KNOW CLYDE WILL SEE HER AND THEY WILL TALK OF OLD TIMES.
GOD BE WITH YOU.
SHIRLEY WILSON
Carl Archacki
January 12, 2010
Val's empathy and heartfelt outreach to gay and lesbian Catholics reflects just one shining example of this remarkable woman. Her humor and sensitiviy was balanced with a unwavering strength of conviction that the light of Christ belonged to everyone. May that light now shine eternally on our dear Val.
January 12, 2010
My sincere sympathy to all the members of Val's family. I remember her well from my years at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. She and you are in my prayers. Fr. Bart Larkin, O. Carm.
Kim & Lori Hampton Roads Eye Associates
January 12, 2010
It is with deepest sympathy that we send our heart felt prayers of comfort during your loss.
As the shock of Ms. McAvoy's home going settles in, we reminisce about how her shinning smile and joking ways brought laughter to our days.
She will be missed but never forgotten. Be blessed and know that God has called his Angel home.
Respectfully yours,
Jim Hooker
January 12, 2010
I valued Val as a friend and respected her for all the activities she supported. I will miss her, but our Faith tells us that she is in a better state than any of us.
Helene & Howard Smith
January 12, 2010
Ann, Edie, Judy, Lisa and all of the family, we were so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I have fond memories of her as 'my' librian in elememtary and middle schools and most especially, as your Mom. She was a lovely person and a joy to be with. Her hugs and great wit will be sorely missed, but we can all take comfort in knowing she is in Heaven, free from the pain and struggles of illness. Her memory will be forever alive in our hearts.
Jeff Trollinger
January 12, 2010
Val was a good friend, a joyful spirit and a faithful servant of God. We will miss her smile and humor, but be thankful that we have a very fervant guardian angel now watching over us.
Will Langley
January 12, 2010
Jeff and I hold fond memories of Val and her loving, joyous spirit! We know that she is a child of God and rests in God's loving care. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to her family and friends, for Val was love embodied in a frail body, and she will be missed. May we see her life as an example of how Jesus calls us to live.
Love
Jeff Trollinger & Will Langley
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