Valerie Genevieve Wawrzyniak was born December 8, 1926 in Fairview, New Jersey to Polish immigrant parents, Leokadia Kankowska and Lawrence Wawrzyniak, and died November 3, 2019, at the age of 92 in Gulf Breeze, Florida. She learned to speak, read, and write the Polish language at home, attended Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary school and graduated from public high school in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Her family moved to Miami, Florida where, as an exceptionally skilled seamstress, she was employed by a high fashion designer of exclusive one-of-a-kind dresses for wealthy women.
She earned a BS degree in nursing as a member of the first class of nursing at Barry College in Miami Shores, Florida. While employed as a registered nurse at the 1200 bed Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida, she was invited to join the faculty of Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. Valerie continued her education by earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing Education at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and then a Master’s Degree in Counseling at Barry College. She joined the inaugural faculty of the Miami-Dade Community College newly established nursing program and retired as Associate Professor. As a Visiting Professor, she had the opportunity to visit five major Schools of Nursing in Columbia, South America. Lasting friendships were formed. She was a long-time member of the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Valerie Wawrzyniak was married to Herman Emil Rolfs, MD and they spent many wonderful years sharing and enjoying classical music concerts and international travel. She was a gracious, gentle loving lady who had a natural gift of kindness in seeing an opportunity for making other happy. The beauty of that gift was exceeded only by her natural beauty.
Valerie lived by a secure faith in the prayer “May God’s will be done”. At her death the angels sang as they gently carried her home. A Visitation will be held with rosary at Saint Sylvester Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida. The next day there will be a visitation followed by a funeral mass celebrated by Father John Kelly. Ava Maria will be sung at the request of Valerie. A private graveside service will be held at Bayview Memorial Park. Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.
Valerie’s Family wishes to sincerely thank the wonderful staff of Emerald Coast Hospice and The Arbors of Gulf Breeze Memory Care Unit for the kind, loving care they gave Valerie. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Saint Sylvester Catholic Church Youth Program.
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