Valerie B. Gongaware

She graduated from Garfield Heights High school in 1968 and had an broad-ranging career, working as a telephone operator, police dispatcher, sales at LTV steel, and later as a home health aide.

From feeding the birds, deer and other wildlife in her back yard to walks or drives through the Cleveland Metroparks, Valerie had a lifelong love of nature. She also loved cruises and visited many ports in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Hawaii, and Alaska.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center in Fairlawn, OH for the kind and compassionate work they do for their patients and their families.

Born in Cleveland and raised in Garfield Heights, Valerie was preceded in death by her father, Alex and mother Theresa (Teddy) Brodowski. She is survived by her husband George; daughter Olivia and son Mark (Casey Gillingham) and her step-children Traci Billingsley, Danese Pagano, and Jennifer Lucas.

A celebration of life is being planned. Information will be posted on Valerie’s FaceBook and shared with family and friends as it becomes available.

Please consider making a donation in Valerie’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/cleveland-cremation for the Gongaware family.