Valerie G. Barnett

When she was 13 years old and was walking down the streets of Chicago with her father one day, she was discovered by a modeling agency. For more than 20 years she went on to model among other things, fur coats and hair products. She had the most beautiful vibrant red hair, which made her especially sought after.

She graduated from high school at the age of 16 and went on to attend the Art Institute of Chicago.

She met Robert Allen who was a Marine during World War II. They married in 1942 in Memphis Tennessee and moved to San Diego in 1957. Together, they had 6 children, Candy, Cheryl, Randall, April, Sunday and Bobby. 15 Grandchildren: Louis, Brett, Brandy, Gina, Frankie, Jennifer, Randy, Douglas, Justin, Cameron, Samantha, Brandon, Arthur, Zachary and Mia. Great-Grandchildren include: Allison, Machala, Joshua, Katie, Megan, Molly, Jack, Frankie, Miranda, Matthew, Riley, Jacob, Layla, and Great-Great granddaughter Addy, with two more great great grandchildren on the way.

In 1962 she started a long career working for Sears and Roebuck, where she met many of her life long friends.

In 1967 Robert and Valerie divorced and in 1970, she married Arthur Barnett who was a Princeton Graduate from England. Together, they enjoyed entertaining, traveling the world and spending time with family living in Bonita, California. Valerie was very active in the community of Bonita. She was a member of the Bonita Valley Garden Club, the Bonita Organic Garden Club and the Chula Vista Country Club. She also volunteered at the Bonita Museum. She was a patriot who never missed working the polls during presidential elections.

She enjoyed all the holidays, decorating her home for each one throughout the year with Halloween being her most favorite. She was a gourmet cook, an artist and also enjoyed playing Tennis.

Valerie passed away quietly and peacefully at home with her family by her side on March 31st, 2016 after having a long wonderful life with a big family who loved and adored her.