D.O.B. - 12-15-1955

Age 57 - Ovarian Cancer

Valerie L. Stitt – South Bend, Indiana, Val passed away on December 24, 2012 in the home of her parents, after four and a half years fighting ovarian cancer.  Val was extremely proud of her two sons, Matthew and David Parker and her four grandchildren.  Anytime Val spent with her grandchildren was a good day.  She spent her Sunday afternoons having dinner with her mom and dad.  Being the oldest of four sisters, Val was the glue that kept everyone close.  She was an optimist and was always grateful for what she had.  Val chose to focus on the positives rather than the negatives in her life, even during the worst challenges of her illness.

02/27/2019 Susie Scheu

Valerie Lynn Stitt

Dec. 15, 1955 - Dec. 24, 2012

SOUTH BEND - Valerie Lynn Stitt, 57, passed away on Monday, December 24, 2012, four and a half years after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, in the home of her parents, William and Beverly Stitt. She was born on December 15, 1955 in South Bend and remained in the area for most of her life, graduating from John Adams in 1974.

Val is survived by her parents, William and Beverly (Timbrook) Stitt; and her sons- and daughters-in-law, Matthew and Rachell Parker and David and Tia Parker. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Cole and Ella Parker and Chloe and Braylan Parker; her sisters and their husbands, Kay and Tom Parker, Julie and Alan Kohn and Amy and Bob Acrey; nieces and nephews, Katie and Libby Parker and Michael, Danny, Greg and Andrew Kohn. Additionally, Val is survived by a grandson, Austin Shipley; and his mother, Miranda; as well as her ex-husband and father of her children, Terry Parker, and his wife, Luanne Parker. Also surviving is her paternal aunt, Carol Noffsinger.

Val was happy as long as she was spending time with her sons and their families. She was very proud of her sons and the men they had become. Val was always on the go and especially loved taking her grandchildren and any other family member that wanted to tag along to Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles and Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend. Anytime Val was spending time with her grandchildren was a good day. She could be found on Sunday afternoons enjoying Mom's cooking and having dinner with Mom and Dad. Being the oldest of four girls, Val was the glue that kept everyone close. She was an optimist and was always grateful for what she had. Val chose to focus on the positives rather than the negatives in her life, even through the worst challenges of cancer. She was a very kind person and always put others' needs ahead of her own. Val never had a lot of money, but she was very generous to others and was always watching for bargains on children's clothing so that she could donate new children's clothing to the Center for the Homeless. When Val first became ill, she moved in with her son Dave and daughter-in-law Tia. She thoroughly enjoyed living with them and her grandchildren. Val was happy when she was able to go to Matt and Rachell's and spend the night with them and her grandchildren. When her condition worsened this summer, she moved in with Mom and Dad, who took loving care of her with assistance from sisters Amy and Kay. There will be a huge void in the family without Val, that can never be filled. She was one of a kind and will never be forgotten.

Val wanted to acknowledge and thank Dr. Method and his entire staff for the wonderful, compassionate care she received from all of them. She also wanted to acknowledge the kindness and compassion of the nurses and staff on the sixth floor of St. Joe Regional Medical Center. The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care became involved this fall, and Val appreciated and was grateful for the care she received from Natalie and all the nurses and staff through these final few months. She wanted especially to thank her friends and coworkers at Notre Dame's FSSA. "There just aren't words to describe how great you all are and how special you all made me feel." "Last, but by no means least, my family. I couldn't have made it this long without the care and love you've all shown me." Thank you, Love Always, Val.

There will be visitation with the family at the Potawatomi Conservatories, 2105 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Wednesday, January 2, 2013, with a memorial service immediately following. The entrance is at the east end of the building, and additional parking is available at Kids Kingdom. Val loved bright colors and anyone wishing to honor Val's memory by wearing something brightly colored is encouraged to do so. Memorial contributions to something important to Val may be made to any of these organizations: Fernwood Botanical Gardens, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, MI 49120, Muessel-Ellison Conservatory, 2105 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615, Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615, Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601 or Center for Hospice Care, 111 Sunnybrook Ct., South Bend, IN 46637.

Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the Stitt/Parker families at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

05/17/2021 DEC

South Bend Tribune