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Valerie Meeker Obituary
TRUMANSBURG - Valerie Meeker, of 6066 Cold Springs Rd., Trumansburg, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 18, 2008, at the age of 52.
Born in Ithaca on January 4, 1956, Valerie was the daughter of Jim Simmons of Trumansburg, and Marian Beardslee of Big Sandy, Tennessee. From an early age, Valerie was drawn to nature and had a heartfelt appreciation for the beauty that nature exhibits through plants and animals. Valerie's beautiful flower gardens welcomed family and visitors as they approached her country home. She was also a great cook, an amazing baker, and she loved to entertain her family. Valerie's focal point in life was her three girls, her husband, and her animals, especially her little dog, "Jack". She was also a top-notch seamstress whom the family often turned to for mending and alterations.
Valerie's concern for others benefited co-workers and students at the Dewitt Middle School in Ithaca as well. She was a warm presence in the guidance office for nearly 20 years. Both at work and at home, Valerie instilled a feeling of "things will be okay". Memories of Valerie's caring eyes and warm laugh will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Valerie is survived by her husband of 31 years, James A. Meeker of Trumansburg; three daughters, Kristen Meeker Robertson (John) of Trumansburg, Sarah L. Meeker of Philadelphia, PA, and Amy L. Meeker of New Fairfield, CT; father, James Simmons (Judy) of Trumansburg and Ft. Myers, FL; mother, Marian Beardslee (Hop Atcheson) of Big Sandy, TN; brother, James Simmons, Jr. (Kelly) of Newark Valley; three sisters, Vicki Campbell of Noblesville, IN, Kim Gatch (Paul) of Newfield, and Bonnie Ragsdale (Mike) of Ashburn, VA; stepsister, Debbie Kippola (Rich) of Trumansburg; mother-in-law, Bernita Meeker of Trumansburg; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Alva of Rochester, and Janice Meeker Guthrie of Trumansburg; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will be present to receive friends on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg.
Services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, corner of South St. and Main St. Prayers of Committal will follow at Grove Cemetery in Trumansburg.
The family asks those considering a contribution in Valerie's memory to kindly consider the Trumansburg Ambulance Fund, and/or the Trumansburg Fire Department, P.O. Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886, or the Valerie Meeker Scholarship Fund c/o Tompkins Trust Company, PO Box 702, Trumansburg, NY 14886.
For additional information, please contact the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446 or www.ness-sibley.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Valerie Meeker
Pam Spears (Titsworth)
May 18, 2008
Bonnie,
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. It has been forever since I have seen you but I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers our with your family.
Beth McHale
May 15, 2008
Sarah & Family
I wanted to express my sympathy for your loss, but there is really no way to do that. It takes everyone time and their own ways to get over something so traumatic. I just wanted to let you know that your mom was an amazing person and always so welcoming and grateful to see me around the house when we were growing up, until after we were all grown and away at college. She was always willing to answer the phone when we wanted to call Jazz at 3am as well.... god bless you and I hope time is healing your pain.
Beth McHale
Shelly Hostetler
May 13, 2008
Dear Jim, Kristen, Sarah and Amy -
At the calling hours for your wife and mother, I introduced myself only as "the second person at Valerie's side" the day of her accident. I shared how I had tried to comfort her in those first few moments as I knelt beside her.
The reason for this entry, nearly a month later, is to let you know you are still in our thoughts and to relay our hope that you're coping and healing well - each in your own time and ways. To that end, you will remain in our prayers...
God Bless,
John & Shelly Hostetler
Bill Dickson
May 9, 2008
Jim Meeker and Family, Jim Simmons and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up in Trumansburg and went to school with Valerie and Jim and have many fond memories. My sincerest sympathies and God bless you all.
Bill Dickson and Family
Carol Wildey
May 5, 2008
Dear Kim,Paul and all of Val's family,
Kim, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister Val. I had the unbelievable pleasure of knowing her and working with her many years ago. Her energy, professionalism, sweet, sweet smile, and love of the world around her made her an exceptional human being. Val was the one you always WANTED to call about information as she was always so willing to share everything she knew and had. We should all feel blessed and thankful for having known Val. Now, the legacy of her spirit can live on in all that she touched.
Fondly,
Tina Tarman (Hickok)
May 2, 2008
Aunt Marian and Family, My condolences go out to you for your loss. Valerie will be truly missed by all who knew her. I will always treasure my memories of her. Love Tina
Robin Springer
April 27, 2008
I didn't know Valerie well in high school, even though Simmons and Springer were always in the same homeroom. Valerie has moved to a place where you can't see her, but she has her hand on your hearts. She'll always be with you.
Jo Gilbert
April 25, 2008
Val was a bright light in the guidance department. I loved walking in there and just seeing her smile. What a sad thing to happen to someone so vibrant.
James Vorp
April 25, 2008
Jim & Family,
So very, very sorry to hear about your loss. We will pray for you from Pa.
Clay Reilly
April 25, 2008
Sarah,
I'm shocked and saddened to hear about the loss of your mom. Her obituary was beautiful, heartfelt and very personal...made me connect with her in a way...she seemed like an incredible lady who I'm sure will be sadly missed. My heart felt condolensces to you and your family.
Clay
Greg Hill
April 24, 2008
My deepest symapathies go out to all who mourn Valerie's passing. I knew Valerie from High School and it is clear she was just as fun and vibrant at 50 as at 18 and that was a gift to all of us.
Carl and Joan Taber
April 24, 2008
Kristen,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family, and all who share your loss.
-the Taber family
Terri Husted
April 24, 2008
To Jim and Family:
I was fortunate to have worked with Val for over 20 years at DeWitt. She always stopped everything she was doing to help me with any questions about scheduling. Always with a smile, her patience, and words of advice. I enjoyed so much working with Amy on math several years ago. Val's perennials, which she gave me many years ago, are the only ones that still grow beautiful year after year in my garden. I am praying for you and your family. There are no answers to explain why tragedies like this happen. I know how hard it is... You are lucky to have such a strong and supportive family. I hope you find strength in knowing that so many of us really care.
Mark Zimmerman
April 23, 2008
Sarah,
Although I was not able to be there in person, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I pray that you are able to find comfort through friends and family during this time.
Brenda Riley
April 23, 2008
To the Meeker Family~
Although I do not know you personally, my sister, brother in law and nieces,Jacquie & Sam Wright, Joli & Michelle, do, and I feel the pain. I pray that things get easier for you as time goes on. After losing a spouse myself at a very young age, I know the difficulties ahead and hope that with friends and family you are able to cope and slowly move on. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Brenda Riley
Diana Haight Gerhardt
April 23, 2008
To Jim and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. If there is anything you need or we can do let us know. We want you to know you are in our prayers. Valerie taught me how to cheer in high school and I spent a year on the squad with her. Those were some of the greatest times, she was a wonderful person.The Haight Family
from all over the country. Diana and family in Colorado, Chris and family in Texas and Fred & Marlene in Florida/T-burg.
Terri Harrington
April 23, 2008
To all of Val's family you are in our thoughts and prayers, GOD will see you through this painful time. May you be comforted over the coming days.
The Tucker Family
(Ithaca Ny/Horseheads/Bradenton Florida
Maria Scott
April 23, 2008
To the Meeker Family-- I just wanted to express how sorry I am for your loss. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you all... I am so so so very sorry.
John Courtney
April 23, 2008
Jim and Family,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Our Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michelle Townley
April 23, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Katie Moberg
April 23, 2008
To Sarah and the rest of the Meeker Family: I am truly sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this hard time.
Sue Hope
April 23, 2008
Sarah-
All of your friends in Chem Stock were shocked and deeply saddened by the premature loss of your mother. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Connie Amici
April 23, 2008
To the Meeker family, my deepest and most sincere sympathy. I knew Val from when I worked at Dewitt. What a great gal. Dewitt will never be the same without Val.
Carol Martin
April 22, 2008
Dear James, Kristen, Sarah and Amy,
We were very sad to hear of Val's untimely passing. We're truly sorry that we cannot be with you at this difficult time, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you.
Jim, Carol and Lauren Martin
Joan Dufresne (Dewitt)
April 22, 2008
To the Meeker family my sincere condolences and thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was a very special person, she was like a ray of sunshine coming into Dewitt. I will miss her very much. Hold onto your memories. Time does help heal. I know it doesn't seem so now. Take care.
JACKI BROOKS
April 22, 2008
My Dear Jim, Judy and Marian, No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you at this time as you grieve. My heart is with all of you especially Valerie's husband and her children. Just remember, your Valerie is with you still, in the hush of the morning, the breeze that blows softly during the day and at night. She's with you as the birds sing, and with each new dawn and at the silent of the night. In the winter time she'll be each snowflake that will fall, hold on to your memories and pass the tourch on to your children, to keep her memory alive.
In Sympathy and Friendship,
Jacki B
Anita and Larry Clapp
April 22, 2008
To Jim, Kristen, Sarah, Amy and Extended Family:
We were saddened to read about the tragic loss of Valerie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Valerie was a wonderful person with much talent and she will be missed, not only by her family, but by anyone who came in contact with her.
Fochive Njikam
April 22, 2008
Sarah
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy during this time of grief. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Maryam Moaddeb
April 22, 2008
Dear Sarah:
On behalf of your colleagues at Merck, I want to express our heart felt sympathy to you and your family and our prayers for strength for you as you go through this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nitin Patel
April 22, 2008
Sarah
I am shocked by the news of sad demise of your mom. My deepest sympathy and condolence to you and your family.
Linda Meeker
April 22, 2008
James and Family,
Although we didn't have the opportunity to know Valerie closely, we are very saddened by her passing. May your memories help to guide you through this difficult time in your lives. You are in our hearts and prayers. Bill and Linda
Terry Welch
April 22, 2008
Valerie's family ~ Our thoughts are with you all. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Wishing words would somehow ease your pain. Val was truly one of the good ones, and we are all better for having known her.
Mark and Terry Welch, Chelsea, Garrett, Brett and Ashleigh
Debbie Carlisle-Simpson
April 22, 2008
Jim,
I am very sorry for your loss. I read the Ithaca Journal every day since I am so far away. I remember you and your sister Jan from High School. You must have 3 beautiful daughters and how blessed you are to have spent over 30 years with someone so beautiful. I remember Vicki Simmons. May all the prayers and blessings be with you and your family for your loss. Aloha with prayers.
Kevin Hallstead
April 22, 2008
To The Meeker family,
I am vey sorry about your loss. I heard what happend and feel very bad that it had to happen that way. All my hopes and prayers go out to you all.
Melissa Thomas and Sarah Cory
April 22, 2008
My mother, Sarah Cory, who very much enjoyed working with Val at Dewitt Middle School, told me the other day how amazing Val was and always will be, and that there isn't one mean thing anyone could ever say about her. As her daughter, i remember meeting her once at Dewitt, and thought a lot of her. We wish your family all the best through this hard time. We will both be keeping you in our prayers.
Judy Harrison
April 22, 2008
Sarah - I'm unable to be there with you in person, but please know that you are in my thoughts. Lean on your family and good friends for any support that you need. Take care. I'll be thinking about you!
Debbie (Livingstone) Howard
April 22, 2008
Jim,
My heart became very saddened when I read about the loss of your beloved wife, Valerie.
You may not remember me, but as teenagers, I spent some of my summers at my Grandmother Tuttle's home in good ol' Podunk, across the road from the Bradfords.
Beverly, Bill, & Jim Bradford, and you, all helped me to learn how to ride your horses -- and we all played in your barn. :) I know that was many, many years ago, but I still have very fond memories of those times I shared with all of you.
Please know that you and your family are all in my prayers.
Debbie (Livingstone) Howard
Carol Butkiewicz
April 22, 2008
The Chenango Forks Band community is deeply saddened by your loss and has you in their thoughts and prayers. We hope this brings some comfort to you and your family to know how much you mean to us.
Rhonda Weeks
April 22, 2008
To Kim and The Meeker Family, Our Heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. Kim I didn't realize until today that Valerie is your sister. I pray that you all will feel God's love with you. With Love, Rhonda and David Weeks(Dan's Son) and family.
Donna Liotta
April 22, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the Meeker family during this extremely difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken and Joan Payne
April 22, 2008
Jim,
Our condolences and prayers for you and the family. No words can really express the deep loss. Val will be greatly missed.
Linda Brown
April 21, 2008
We haven't met, but my brother Randy was engaged to Vicki before he passed. Believe me when I tell you I do feel your pain and hope & pray you take comfort in the memories you all have. Shes not really gone as long as you carry her in your heart. Take all the care you need, and hold each other close.
Joan Manheim
April 21, 2008
May the love of friends and family help you through this difficult time. No words can ease your pain...only time. Remember the happy memories and the wonderful life you shared together. God bless you and Valerie.
Dale Cleland
April 21, 2008
To the family of Valerie Meeker, especialy the Husband and daughters. Valarie is my niece, whom I loved dearly. One of the finest Wive's and Mother anyone could know. I send my condolence to the family.
Mike&Marion Boylan
April 21, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Nancy and Melody Wildoner
April 21, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Kristen and your family, during this difficult and sorrowful time.
Debbie Worden Szalkowski
April 21, 2008
To Jim and Girls
We were saddened to hear about Valerie. You all have been wonderful neighbors and friends for years and it is with a heavy heart that I will have to remember Podunk without Val. May her spirit and everlasting love for you all give you the strength to continue on. I will always remember her smiling face and gentle laugh. She will be greatly missed!
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Love
Mark and Debbie Worden Szalkowski
Christina Robertson
April 21, 2008
My deepest condolences for your family in the loss of a mother, wife and a best friend. My heart goes out to your family during this difficult time. Such a wonderful woman will surely be missed by all.
Vicki Hammond
April 21, 2008
The ICSD Community has lost a shining star. Val touched many lives in her years at the District. My heartfelt thoughts to the Meeker family.
Jackie Cochrane Neill
April 21, 2008
My condolences to Jim and the Meeker family. I am so sorry for your loss. As one of Valerie's many childhood friends I will forever cherish her vitality, fun-loving nature and friendship.
My heart goes out to you
Charles Ditmars
April 21, 2008
To Jim and family, We are so sorry and it hurts so much.Please keep the faith as our good Lord has an answer for this. Death is not the end but the beginning to eternal joy.God be with you.-Buster Ditmars
Dale and Shirley Simmons Clapper
April 21, 2008
Although we have not seen Valerie in many years she is remembered in our family with fondness and great sorrow for your loss. God bless
Mary Gottlieb
April 21, 2008
To the Meeker family,
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your wife and mother.
Mary Gottlieb, ICSD Facilities Dept.
Dee Bradford
April 21, 2008
Jim and Girls,
With our deepest sympathies.
Bill and Dee Bradford
Beth Pine
April 21, 2008
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family and all the friends of Val. I have such fond memories of her while I worked at DeWitt MS. She always brightened my day with her warmth and friendship. She'll always have a special place in my heart, as well as the many lives she touched over the years.
Edward & La Verne Gatch
April 21, 2008
Jim: From all of the Gatch family our deepest heart felt condolences. The loss of a precious family member shows just how fragile life is. Valerie will be sorely missed.
Jerry Housworth
April 21, 2008
Jim, our thoughts and prayers to you and your wonderful family at this most difficult time.
Sincerely Jerry Housworth and faimly
Sonja Durling
April 21, 2008
Jim and girls and extended family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this time. Valerie was liked be all who knew her and will be greatly missed. if i can be of any help even from here please let me know. Love Sonja
Carolyn and Peter Romani
April 21, 2008
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce Wilson
April 20, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jim and your family at this tragic time. Valerie was an exceptional lady and she will be missed.
Rick and Cheryl Reynolds
April 20, 2008
Our prayers, hearts, and thoughts are with you all in this difficult time. May the wonderful memories you share give you the strength to guide you through the days ahead.
Randy Keith
April 20, 2008
My condolences to the Meeker family upon the loss of your wife and mother. Valerie was a wonderful person and she touched so many lives. God bless you Val.
Tracey Armstead
April 20, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I will miss my friend everyday. I wish the Meeker family well and the strength to continue their lives in Val's spirit.
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