Valerie Hope Gareri, 88, a resident of Houston, TX for over 40 years, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2020 with her son at her side. Valerie was born July 9, 1932 in the small town of Lubec, ME. Her official birthdate is July 20, 1932, but Valerie insisted that her mother gave birth on the 9th and it took 11 days to get the paperwork filed. Her family reveled in celebrating her twice every July on both the 9th and 20th.

Valerie had a strong work ethic and worked hard to support her family. She moved to the suburbs of Boston, MA as a young adult where she was very proud of her time working in the B.F. Goodrich manufacturing facility. Valerie lived in Massachusetts for more than 20 years before relocating to Houston, TX in the 1970s.

Valerie attended St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Houston, TX and was a devout Catholic her entire life. She cared for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they grew—holding and playing with children brought her great joy throughout her life. She was a marvelous cook and baker and is well known for her beautiful crocheted afghans, which are treasured by all lucky enough to have received one.

Valerie was widowed twice and is preceded in death by her husbands, Frederick Wilson and Peter Gareri, Sr. She is also preceded by sons John Gareri and Ronald Gareri; parents, Charles and Marguerite Hudson; sister, Jeannine Case; and brother, Clifton Hudson.

Valerie is survived by her daughter, Brenda Pinsky, husband Lawrence; sons: Steven Gareri, Peter John Gareri, Jr. wife Amber, and Christopher Gareri; grandchildren: Jeffrey Pinsky, wife Tara, Joshua Pinsky, Jacqueline Zepp, husband Derek, Jason Gareri, Justin Gareri, Nathan Gareri, Jadyn Chancellor, and Kyle Gareri; great grandchildren: James Pinsky, Valerie Pinsky, Claire Pinsky, Benjamin Zepp, Jacob Zepp, and Andrew Zepp. Valerie was blessed to play a vital role in raising three generations of her descendants.

Valerie Hope Gareri lived a remarkable life, loved her family immensely and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2020 at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, TX.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030.

Pallbearers will be Sean Edwards, Jason Gareri, Justin Gareri, Kyle Gareri, Nathan Gareri, Jeffrey Pinsky, Joshua Pinsky, and Derek Zepp. Bagpipes at the service will be played by family friend, Stuart Clements.