Name: Purdy & Walters with Cassidy Funeral Home
Address: Everett, WA

I first met Val in college at Central.  She was on lower campus, I was on upper, so we only saw each other occasionally in classes.  When we began our teaching careers we both were hired by the Everett School District and both started out at Jefferson Elementary.  It was there that I got to know her and learned to enjoy that wonderful sense of humor of hers.  At different times we were both transferred to Madison, so it was my pleasure to work with her again!  After retiring I subbed for a few years and spent lots of time in Val's room.  I am so glad our paths crossed in life.  I have lost a dear friend and I am deeply saddened.  I will miss her terribly and truly feel my life is richer for knowing her.  Rest in peace, Val, and I'll see you again.

Dear Mrs. Dede, You were the best 2nd grade teacher ever! Please tell my Mommy "I love you" when you see her in heaven. I will miss you. I am so, so, so sad.
Love 
Sammie

Mrs. Dede we will miss you. Thank you for the special touch you had with our daughter in her times of need. You were an example to all of us and you set the standard high for us to follow. god bless your family and your friends and help us to  carry on in your absence.

Val will be greatly missed, thank you for your service to the kids of Everett. 15 years ago my son was in her class and I was finishing college, she let me do lessons in her class and encouraged me as I started my student teaching. Madison will truly miss her. My deepest condolences go out to her family and her school family.

Mrs. Dede,
I was in shock when I drove past Madison Elelmentary today, and saw the announcement board. You were one of my favorite teachers. 2001, my first grade teacher. I saw you just a couple months ago at Safeway, and it was so good to catch up for those few minutes. Now, I'm going to be a Senior in High School, and let me tell you, your writing advice has done wonders for me. Thank you, so much. I'll miss you.

Val was so thoughtful, kind, and caring to everyone she knew. She would do anything for anyone at anytime. She touched the lives of many, many students,and it was a pleasure to teach with her. I will miss her friendship, and the laughter we shared.

Val you will be truly missed.I will never forget you and your precious smile.I will miss running into you unexpectedly in the grocery store,that was always a blessing in my day. May your light still shine from above. forever

What I remember most is her laugh, smile, and GREAT sense of humor.  She valued the gift of laughter and brought it every where she went.  There was nobody quite like her and she will be dearly missed.  The halls of Madison won't be the same without her. Condolences to her family and friends.

Ken and Family,
So sorry for the loss of your Mom.  Joshua always said she was very special to him. Your family always welcomed him in your home.  Your Mom will always be in your heart,and you will always have great memories.  
Debbie Ostrowski and Joshua Luellen

Mrs. Dede
You will be dearly missed. You were the best teacher I had.

Val warmed my heart on a regular basis. She was so kind and caring to everyone she worked with or taught. She had a talent for working with kids, getting all of them to do their personal best. She supported the teachers as well. I will miss her more than I can say,

Val was a wonderful person. She was so kind-hearted, and had such a joy for life.  Her Madison family will be remembering her at a 'Celebration of Val's Life' on Weds., Aug 10; 6:30 - 8 p.m. in the Madison cafeteria.  You are invited to bring a pansy to plant in her honor. In memory of Val's 'Take Time to Play" attitude towards life, Madison has also set up a memorial fund to purchase a playground for the students.  Donations can be made in her honor to Madison Elementary School, Everett School Foundation, or Everett Public Schools and sent to Madison School, 616 Pecks Dr., Everett, WA 98203

Val,
I am so lucky to have worked with you on the second grade team at Madison.  You were always accepting of everyone and never judged.  You loved our students and made a difference in everyone's life.  You will be missed.

Val was truly one-of-a-kind!  It's hard to believe that she won't be at Madison in the fall, leading her line of kids into her classroom.  Thinking about all the lives she touched makes me smile. She was just a great lady and I'm so thankful for the years I knew her.  Prayers to her family and the Madison "family" as well.

The tragic loss of Val came as such a shock for everyone at Madison. She was a ray of sunshine. I will never forget when Val called me at home to talk about a student because she cared so much. We will miss the jingle jangle of her keys as she walked down the hall each morning. All of our special memories will keep Val alive at Madison. We will miss her!

She was such a nice, friendly person.  I will always remember her pulling weeds in my yard.  She was my son, Scott's    first grade teacher.  Scott and Ken are good friends.  We miss her.  My deepest sympathy to Ken and his dad.

Mrs. Dede, you were an excellent teacher. My daughter loved you and always talked about you. You will forever be in the hearts of our family.

From: Alessandra Figueroa
Mrs.Dede, You were the best teacher ever. I will miss you and you will always be in my memory. You taught me to read and enjoy school. I love you!

OBITUARY

Valerie Cren Dede

June 24, 1947 – June 27, 2011

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