Valerie Jean "Val" Berger

Valerie Jean 'Val' Berger

OLEAN --- Valerie Jean Berger of School Street, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at her home.

Valerie was born on December 5, 1958, at Olean General Hospital to Emil and Patricia Yehl. In November of 1961, Valerie and her family moved to Stony Point, NY where she attended North Rockland schools through graduation.

Valerie had a loving upbringing that included five siblings and many extended family members.

Valerie moved to the Fort Montgomery/Highland Falls area between 1988-1990. During this time, she worked for American Express Travel Agency. She called Highland Falls home until the early 2000s when she moved back to Olean, NY.

Valerie decided to pursue a new career path during this time and attended Jamestown Community College (JCC) where she received her Degree in Education. She began working as an Educational Assistant with special needs students at BOCES in the Olean School District. Valerie quickly found that one of her passions was working with special needs youth, and she continued in this role until her retirement in August of 2024.

While growing up in Stony Point, she discovered her love of QVC and shopping. She would spend time with her mother shopping on QVC for the best deals. This love continued throughout her life. It has even been said that when QVC began its online shopping platform, Valerie was their first customer.

Valerie had an enormous love for animals and each one that she met held a permanent place in her heart. Over the years she had many pets and gave each of them the most loving home imaginable.

Valerie loved being outside in the yard working on her flowers. She took a lot of pride in her yard and the hard work she put into it showed each year in the multiple colors and flowers that could be seen in the front of the house.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Patricia Yehl, two brothers, Paul and Richard Yehl, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family.

Valerie is survived by; her siblings, Terry (Donna) Yehl, Brenda Duraski and John (Linda) Yehl; her nieces and nephews, Patti-Ann, Lisa, Mark, Shannon, Tracy, Brittany, Christine, Jason, and Charlene; sister-in-law, Loma Yehl, Aunt, Marian Yehl and multiple cousins.

Valerie Berger held a special place in the lives of all she encountered. She was a friend, co-worker, advocate, shopper, gardener and lover of animals. To us, she was a daughter, sister, niece, and aunt. She will always be with us.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1:00 pm the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean. There will be a celebration of life at Elks Lodge following the service. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donating to your local Humane Society or the American Cancer Society in Valerie's name.