Following a lengthy and brave struggle with multiple sclerosis, Valerie Ann Yaffo was set free on January 14, 2013.
Valerie entered this world on October 7, 1968, in Newark, New Jersey. From a young age, she had a sincere love of books, learning, and ideas. She excelled in school, becoming the valedictorian of her eighth-grade class. After that, Valerie earned top grades at University High, Newark's elite public high school, and won a scholarship to Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. She graduated with honors from Drew, earning a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. She went on to earn a Master's Degree in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts. While studying at both Drew and the University of Massachusetts, Valerie worked in libraries to support herself and was an active member of both schools' literary communities, helping organize efforts to bring various noted authors on campus to speak to and share ideas with students. She helped bring the great Octavia Butler to the University of Massachusetts to speak, and she has ever since cherished the memory of meeting her.
After completing her Master's degree, Valerie shared her love of learning and literature as an English Literature instructor at West Chester University, in Pennsylvania. She moved to Maryland to continue sharing this love by pursuing a career as a librarian. In Maryland she met her husband, Seth Yaffo, whom she married on August 25, 2004, and with whom she is united eternally.
From a young age, Valerie's love of learning and ideas was matched by her love and concern for people. As a schoolgirl, she routinely comforted classmates who were bullied or shunned by others. As an adult, she did the same for anyone she met who needed someone's love and warmth. Over the last several years of her time here on Earth, as multiple sclerosis robbed her of many of the abilities by which too many of us measure others, Valerie's warm heart only grew stronger. Several people who met her while she was battling physical illness have stated that they have literally never met anyone quite as pure in their sweetness and giving spirit as Valerie. No matter what she endured physically, Valerie always had a smile and a wave for anyone she saw, and she always had concern and well wishes for the people she met.
Valerie is survived in this world by her husband Seth, her siblings James Carey, Nichole Carey, and Sanford Woody, her uncle Horace Smith, several nieces and nephews, her dear friend and "pale mommy" Pam Ontko, her dear friends Patrice Smith, Peggy Tartt, Donna Monette Francis, Ericca Staton, Tomika Greene, and many others whom she touched simply by being herself. She was preceded in passage to heaven by her mother, Ruth Louise Carey. If you had the chance to know her in this life, believe that you will someday be reunited with her. If you did not have the chance to meet her in this life, believe that you will someday know her, and that she will be smiling and waving as you approach.
Contributions in Valerie's name may be made to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), 1805 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 or to The Octavia E. Butler Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o The Carl Brandon Society, PO Box 23336, Seattle, WA 98102.
Cemetery Details
Holy Cross Cemetery
6020 Ritchie Highway
Brooklyn Park, MD, 21225
Visitation
JAN 23. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services
1 Second Ave., SW
Glen Burnie, MD, US
Service
JAN 24. 10:00 AM
Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services
1 Second Ave., SW
Glen Burnie, MD, US