Valerie Elizabeth Gardner

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Florida State University

Valerie Gardner Obituary

Valerie Elizabeth Gardner, 65, of Colorado Springs, passed away Monday, August 29. She was born to Audrey Smith Weislo and Theodore Alfred Weislo June 15, 1946 in Oceanside, New York. Valerie graduated from Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida in 1964. She went to Florida State University, where she obtained a B.A. and an M.A., both in speech pathology. Her M.A. was completed in 1969. Valerie was a cowgirl at heart, as well as a musician, wife, friend, mother, grandmother, lover of golden retrievers, and longtime Colorado Springs resident. She spent over thirty years contributing to the Pikes Peak community creatively, professionally, and personally. Through her work as a cognitive rehabilitation therapist at Penrose, St. Francis, Memorial, and Health South hospitals, she founded Headway, a support group for patients recovering from head injuries. Valerie also played guitar and sang in the bands Coyote Moon, Good Hearted Woman, and Blue Sage. She connected with the crowds for which she performed Emmylou Harris songs as deeply as she connected to her patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries. She kept her house beautifully decorated and immaculately clean. The past several years were among the highlights of Valerie's life as she married her longtime sweetheart in Colorado Springs, welcomed the arrival of two grandchildren, and enjoyed the company of her wonderful friends. Valerie is survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Smethers; sister, Phyllis Weislo; nephew, Phillip Dunlap; two daughters, Molly Gardner and Katherine "Daisy" Gardner; and two grandchildren, Alex Morton and Adelaide Morton. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the Sandra J. Schulze American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Rochester, Minnesota. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 25 at the little church at the Flying W Ranch.

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Published by The Gazette on Sep. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Valerie Gardner

13 Entries

Karin Braverman

September 22, 2011

Dear Daisy,

My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Mother. You are in my thoughts.

With my best regards,

Karin

Lauren Woosley and family

September 22, 2011

Valerie was a beautiful and kind person. She raised two amazing women, Daisy and Molly, and they will, along with her grandchildren, live wonderfully rich lives in her memory. She will be smiling down on them from above. Valerie will be missed greatly. Much love to Bob, Daisy, Molly and the rest of the family.

Aunt Sheri and Uncle Chuck Morton

September 22, 2011

Condolences to Daisy and your family on the passing of your beloved mother. – With love and sympathy,

Charice Palmer-Flory

September 18, 2011

Bob, Katie and Molly,
I miss Valerie so much; she brought joy with her every day and we always shared a laugh even through some tears. She was a good friend and colleague--I learned a lot from her!
Best wishes to you all.

September 16, 2011

To Valerie's whole family. I am a brain injury person that is one who honestly can say that Valerie saved my life. She put pieces together she understood me she stood up for me and she was my friend. She will always hold a very special place in my heart. Many prayers for all of you as you walk through this time of grief. Barb W.

Lauren Simmons

September 7, 2011

Valerie was such a wonderful lady. I so enjoyed working with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 5, 2011

Bob,
I am sorry to hear of Val's passing. May you find comfort in your memories and the love of your family and friends.

Mary Jo Keuhlen

September 4, 2011

Dear Bob and family,
Valerie was such a dear, sweet friend and patient to me. We all just loved it when she came into the office. You know, I could hardly get her teeth cleaned in an hour because we had so much talking to do :) I will miss her stories and smiles the most. I am praying
for your family daily as I did for her. Much love, Mary Jo
(Dr.Ley's office)

Jeanne Kringlen

September 3, 2011

Bob, Katie, and Molly,
Valerie was a special lady and I'm glad to have had her friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Phillip Kirks

September 2, 2011

Dear Gardner Family and Friends,

It is a sad time for all of you, but know all your friends and family's prayers are with you and Valerie. She is home know playing the music she loves and starting a new life. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

Mary & Dave Kirks

September 2, 2011

Bob, we are so sorry for your loss. We have you and the girls in our thoughts and prayers.

September 2, 2011

Bob; We are so very sorry for your loss. What a lovely lady she was and we're so glad she brought so much joy into the world. Rodger and Judy Voelker

Les Heinemann

September 2, 2011

Bob, our condolences to you and your family. Our prayers are with you. Les n Linda Heinemann

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