Valerie Thomas

Valerie Thomas (84) of Sanford, Florida passed peacefully on 24 April 2026. Valerie was part of a large family and was dearly loved. She was born on 13 November 1941 in Linden, New Jersey, the first of four daughters. Her parents and younger sister moved to Casselberry, Florida, where she grew up. She was a graduate of Lyman High School (Class of 1959) and was an active participant in school activities, including starting on the girls basketball team, serving as class secretary, and participating in Student Government, Glee Club, and the yearbook staff. She entered the workforce immediately following her graduation, balancing full-time jobs with several supplemental part-time jobs, including one at Seminole Racing Park. At her first full-time job at Winter Park Telephone, the manager was reportedly anxious to hire her because of her beautiful handwriting. She continued to work there for many years before moving to The Hartford Insurance Group, where she remained until she retired. It was while working at The Hartford that she met Bill Thomas, the love of her life. Together, they built a home in Sanford, Florida, where she would live out her days. Her life centered around her family, and she created a home full of love, compassion, and encouragement. Valerie was a loving and devoted mother to her three children, Russell, Joseph, and Laura. They were her priority, and she gave them unwavering support, nurturing and guiding them while encouraging them to follow their dreams. Despite being an avowed peanut butter hater, she made her son his preferred peanut butter and jelly sandwich almost everyday of his childhood. Her dislike was so well-known that nearly every family member was determined to get her to try it-often by devious means, convinced she would like it if only she tried it. Her nose foiled all their efforts save one-a peanut butter milk shake concocted by three of her nephews. Turns out she really didn't like peanut butter. Those same nephews, when asked to help her set up an email account in the early days of the internet, happily did so, giving her the name Peanutbuttaluva. Her hatred of peanut butter aside, she loved to cook and made delicious meals serving everything from a simple ham sandwich to delectable banana fritters to what is widely considered the best French toast in the world. Her ability to put together delicious dinners meant that in addition to having a table that always welcomed one more, Valerie and Bill hosted annual Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings. Food was the enticement, but gathering the family was the goal. Tales were told, memories were built, and family bonds grew and strengthened. This allowed her to serve as family historian, taking and gathering numerous family photos and making beautiful scrapbooks documenting the lives of her immediate and extended family. She also wrote long letters to family and friends and served as the nexus of connection to draw people together. Valerie was as happy and comfortable with a rake in her hand as wielding a skillet in the yitchen. She loved her yard and being outdoors. Plants were her special hobby, and she was known as the "plant whisperer". She leapt at any opportunity to peruse nurseries and plant sales, and her yard is filled with her special finds. An adventurer at heart, she loved to travel and often traveled with her husband. Post- retirement, they turned a dream into a reality when they made a months-long trip through the western United States, taking her oldest grandson, Shawn (8 years old), with them. In her younger years, she made a similar, albeit shorter trip, with two of her sisters and a brother-in law. Four people in a compact truck that sat two was definitely an adventure but also an unforgettable experience. She was affectionately known as swivel neck because she wanted to see everything. That may have been an asset that also helped her excel at sports. Her skills in shooting baskets were renowned and all of her children and then grandchildren went down in defeat when they challenged her to a game of horse. She was an excellent bowler who participated in league bowling and once bowled a perfect 300 game. Not only did she love participating in sports, she loved watching them and regularly attended the diverse sporting events of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was there for soccer, baseball, lacrosse, football, wrestling, horseback riding, and gymnastics. She also made sure to be there to at other events like graduation, performances, and awards ceremonies. If she could be there to show her love and support, she was. Valerie lived a life full of love and compassion for others and will always live in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, sisters, brothers-in-law, nephews, and nieces. Valerie is survived by her adoring husband, William Thomas, three loving children and their spouses, Russell and Tracey Sibley of Sanford, Florida, Joe and Martha Sibley of Orlando, and Laura and Dave Lungarini of Orange City, seven adored grandchildren, Shawn and Andrew Sibley, Alexandra Jerrels, Elle and Neal Sibley, Sophia and Victor Thomas, and one beloved great granddaughter, Sharlotte Sibley, two sisters and their spouses Bette and Jerry Jackson of Naples, and Kim and Pat Rogers of Casselberry. She is also loved by her nieces and nephews and their wives, Richard and Jeanne Stuckey, Terry Dreblow, Richard Pippen, Brent and Colleen Jackson, Matt Jackson, and Kirk and Robyn Rogers, and three grand nieces and two grand nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Betty and Russell Schardien,, sister Janet Kunselman, niece Bobbi Jo Kunselman, and stepson Chris Thomas and grandson Marc Thomas.