Valerie Therese Purchas

The eldest of seven children she was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, to loving parents Lester and Lucille. The family grew up on several estates throughout the Parish of St Catherine due to her father’s job as overseer with the United Fruit Company.

She is survived by her son Francis (wife Bernadette), grand daughters Brandi & Rushayne, daughter Karin, brothers (Joseph Marcel and Lester Michael), her sister Sheila , a host of nieces/nephews and several half siblings.

Prior to getting married, she easily handled a daily 18 mile bicycle ride to/from Cathedral High School and eagerly looked forward to taking her piano lessons. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School and later obtained a degree in Stenography from Alpha Academy.

She then secured a secretarial position with the Jamaica Ministry of Labour.

Val, as she was known, migrated to the United States in the early sixties and temporarily resided with her sister in Detroit, Michigan before moving to California after the thrill of seeing snow wore off: “This is for the birds” she would say from time to time. Her professional career

consisted of a number of secretarial positions , the last of which evolved into the position of Building Manager from which she retired at age 65.

She maintained an immaculate home and happy environment, enjoyed travelling and music. Her passion though was gardening – always researching and buying new plants for the yard. At home, nothing could be out of place – it had to be just the way she had left it or you would surely hear about it!

Apart from being the matriarch, she was the family historian and the person who always kept in touch with family and friends. Whenever a birthday rolled around, you could rest assured that a birthday card or phone call was on it’s way!

She was our tower of strength! We will miss her innocent and fighting spirit, charming smile, candid views and her remarkable memory. But most of all her LOVE!!!

Return If Possible 😊

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Valerie's memory may be made to St Jude, www.stjude.org/donate; and Cathedral Chapel of Saint Vibiana, 926 S. Detroit St. , Los Angeles, California 90036 US, https://www.cathedralchapel.org/donate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GatesKingsley.com for the Purchas family.