Valerie Wall, beloved wife of the late Lee G. Wall, passed away on June 5^th, 2024, with her family surrounding her in the comfort of her home. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she was the second child to Dr. Simon and Margaret Ostfeld, and is preceded in death by her two brothers, Dr. Adrian Ostfeld and Alexander Ostfeld.  Valerie is survived by her adoring daughter Jan (Vince) Misuraca, and their two children, Mimi (Ernie) Basic, and Vincenzo (Carrie) Misuraca, and great grandchildren, Jack and Elle Basic, and Vinnie and Clara Misuraca. She was a loving mother to the late Lt. Col Simon “Greg” Wall, M.D. and his family, and a cherished aunt, friend and neighbor to many.

Children always held a special place in Valerie’s heart, and she spent her life as an educator.  After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, and supporting her young family through cross-country moves, she obtained her master’s degree in special education from University of Missouri St. Louis. She spent 25 years teaching and mothering children with special needs in the Saint Louis Public School system, dedicating her time, energy, love, and patience to each child in her care. Any student without the proper coat or mittens would magically have them appear with their name on them. She was forever bringing lunches and treats for her students.  Upon retirement, she was an OASIS Tutor for 25 years and helped children develop a love of learning.  Her dedication to the students in Parkway School District was rewarded with the children’s smiles and hugs and the prestigious Pillar of Parkway award in 2008.  Valerie served as a Girl Scout leader, school nurse, room mother, PTO leader, library volunteer, fundraiser, and a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital. Most recently she earned the nickname “Super GiGi” from her great grandchildren, who were the light of her life and brought her much happiness, many hugs, snuggles and joy filled hours.

Her optimism, wit, determination, generosity, and energy were admirable, and apparent in her daily life.  She always had a kind word (especially about her great-grandchildren), never missed her exercise, provisioned favorite treats for visitors, all while her quick wit and prodigious vocabulary drew smiles and laughs.  She was a voracious reader, often reading 2-3 books at one time. She was tough to keep up with, in conversation or crosswords, as an opponent in Chinese Checkers, or at solving the puzzle while watching Wheel of Fortune.  She never missed her family’s important events, an opportunity to shop for a purse, or a chance to spoil her loved ones. If you were lucky, you were with her in the evening to share ice cream hour!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Louis Zoo, the Chesterfield Veterans Honor Park (https://vhp.chesterfield.mo.us/) or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10:45 am. Please arrive at Sylvan Springs Park (across the street from JB Cemetery) at 10:15 am and the procession to the cemetery will be at 10:30 am. Family and friends are invited to continue the celebration of Valerie’s life at the family home from noon to 8:00 pm.