Valerie Verra

1947 - 2024

February 16, 1947 – September 30, 2024
Valerie Verra, affectionately "Val", a beloved member of the Washington, DC community and a cherished friend to many, passed away on September 30, 2024. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Mountainside, New Jersey, before adopting DC as her home. Valerie was the proud daughter of Vincent James Verra and Providence Louise (Monitto) Verra and the loving younger sister of Beatrice Ellen Wissel. She grew up in a close-knit extended Italian family and developed a strong kinship with her aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews, which provided the loving and complex framework for the network of close friends she had as an adult.
In DC, Val established herself as a successful realtor with Shannon & Luchs, channeling an intuitive sense of design inherited from her Dad to uncover the beauty and possibility in houses that others overlooked.
Later she worked at American University, where she became a cornerstone of the Dean's Office. With humor and grace, Val tackled the daily crises of life at A.U., and in the process, established lifelong connections with her colleagues. She became a vigorous advocate for Veterans and helped them receive the educational benefits to which they were entitled. Students knew her not just as an Administrator but as a trusted confidante and a friend. Her office became a safe space for students to stop by to engage in a quick chat, for a laugh, or simply to be heard.
Learning was a lifelong pursuit, and while at American University, Val earned her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Literature. She was a voracious reader and master storyteller, frequently reflecting on the good, the humorous, and the absurdity of life experience—often pausing mid-story laughing too hard to continue, a trait that endeared her to everyone who heard it.
Throughout her life, Val explored diverse hobbies. She explored dancing, pottery, pilates, yoga, and tarot. Val had a gentle nature that exuded love for all living things—including her backyard garden and the miniature poodles that were always by her side. The girls will be lovingly cared for by family and friends.
Val had great empathy and always respected the dignity of others, no matter their life circumstances. She immediately connected with critics by disarming them with her warmth, humor, humanity, and grace. Recognized for her wisdom, Val offered advice and insight with clarity and without judgment.
Val will be deeply missed. Her legacy of kindness, friendship, and laughter will live on in the hearts of those she has touched.
A memorial to celebrate Val's life will be held from on February 16, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Maggiano's Little Italy Chevy Chase. Please reach out to VillaVerra4118@gmail.com for further details.