Valerie R. Silva

On November 19, 2017, Valerie began her journey to be reunited with her beloved mother, Vera Ramirez. She is survived by her “poppy,” two sisters and three brothers, several nephews and nieces, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was proud of her family’s heritage, and the fact that she was part of the 14th generation to be born in the Americas.

Except for one year, all of Valerie’s formal education was in Boulder, from elementary school through college. She graduated from CU-Boulder in 1993, with a degree in sociology, focusing on conflict resolution. Throughout her professional career, she devoted herself to helping others, whether it was with children or adults in social service and mental health agencies, or in protecting and providing security for the community through her work in the criminal justice system. In 2003, she began an eight year service as a state trooper with the Colorado Highway Patrol, where she received a number of awards and commendations for excellence and achievement. After she left the patrol, she continued to engage in work dedicated to the service and well-being of others.

Valerie’s personality and character was such that it drew people to her. Once a friend, always a friend. She maintained close and personal relationships with people she had first met in K-12 and in college, and others she met throughout her life. Her friends embodied all walks of life. In this way, she was a lot like her mother, who taught her children to care for and respect all people, no matter their socio-economic conditions, or their cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Her passions included hiking, camping, biking and spending time with her beloved dog, Mia.

Although her family, friends, and relatives feel a deep sense of loss and grief, we are grateful for the impact she had in our life, and feel comforted in the knowledge that she lived her life to the fullest, and with the complete sense that she was loved by all who knew her. A celebration of Valerie’s life will be held from 2-5 pm Saturday January 27th, 2018 at Colorado National Golf Course – 2700 Vista Parkway Erie, CO. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal tribute at (website).