Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Vera Vallans Obituary
Feb. 8, 1919 – Feb. 26, 2014
Vera Vallans of Millbrae passed away peacefully February 26, 2014 at the age of 95. Vera was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois to George and Martha (DeLaubell) Engblom.
She began teaching dancing and exercise classes in her early teens. She worked her way through Northwestern University in Chicago by teaching ballroom dancing. During that time she met Harold (Val) Vallans, who was serving in the Army, and married in 1943. After Val was discharged from the Army in 1945, they moved to his hometown of San Francisco. Vera worked as a researcher for the Encyclopedia Britannica for a few years and decided to open the Vera Vallans School of Dance when they moved to Millbrae. She taught tap and ballet to many of the children in Millbrae and both she and Val taught ballroom dancing in the evenings. They made lifelong friendships and belonged to many dance groups.
To have more time with her family, she went back to college to get her teaching credential. She taught at LaHonda and then Parkside School in San Bruno for many years. She was an avid reader, golfer, bridge and pinochle player.
After Val and Vera retired, they became tour directors on a number of Delta Line cruises around South America and Europe. After Val passed away in 1991, Vera in her 70's and 80's taught exercise classes for seniors throughout the Bay Area and enjoyed teaching at the Millbrae Recreation Center where she retired at age 90. Everything she had done in her life, she did with enthusiasm, love and enjoyment. She loved and was proud of her children and grandchildren and she will be missed.
Her husband, Harold Vallans and her son, William Vallans, preceded her in death. Vera is survived by her three children, Pamela Vallans and Peter Vallans (wife Tana) both of Bend, OR and Steven Vallans (wife Rita) of Millbrae, CA along with her five grandchildren, Ryon, Seth, Levi, Amanda and Kyle.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the New Vision United Methodist Church, 450 Chadbourne Ave. in Millbrae.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vera Vallans
4 Entries
Josefina Fernandez
March 13, 2014
Vera was a very fine teacher and I enjoyed her classes at the Millbrae Senior Center very much. Her classes were always so much fun and I learned how to improve my health through exercise. I will keep her smile and her laughter in my heart.
Joanne Grima
March 10, 2014
My Condolence to you and your family
Mary McHugh
March 9, 2014
Vera lived such a wonderful life.She was truly blessed.With Sincere Sympathy, The McHugh Family
Michelle Gonella
March 8, 2014
Mrs. Vallans my teacher at Parkside and it does not surprise me at all to learn that she had such an exciting and artistic life. Her natural charisma and zest for teaching made every class a pleasure. I feel lucky to have spent time with her. I've always considered her a friend. Sincere condolences to her family.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Vera Vallans's name
Memorial Events
for Vera Vallans
How to support Vera's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Vera Vallans's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
