Valerie Steinmetz Denio
February 14, 1935 - September 13, 2019
Valerie Steinmetz Denio, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on September 13, 2019 at the age of 84.
She was born in Oakland CA on February 14, 1935 to parents John (Rear Admiral United States Coast Guard) and Margaret (Peterson) Steinmetz. Due to her father’s postings, she moved frequently across the country and would later travel to all 50 states and Europe. She attended St. Agnes High School in Alexandria, VA and graduated from the University of Delaware in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology.
On June 20, 1959, Valerie married Allen Denio at the Coast Guard Chapel in Cape May NJ, where they loved to visit. In 1964, they moved to Eau Claire, WI, where they raised their family of 3 children and several cats. She worked at H.C. Prange department store for many years. In 1998, Valerie and Allen returned to Newark, DE for their retirement.
Compassionate and kind, Valerie served as a medical social worker at the Wilmington Hospital in DE in the 1950s. She was an active volunteer in the Lake Street United Methodist Church in Eau Claire, WI and worked with the AIDs care team, supporting those suffering from the disease at a time when some doctors refused to treat them. She helped resettle Vietnamese refugees and was a member of the American Association of University Women. She felt she did what was supported by her faith in God and what she thought was right.
Although sometimes reserved, Val had a keen sense of humor. Her memory was faultless and she was the keeper of family stories. She enjoyed watching tennis. She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, sister, and friend.
Valerie is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Allen Denio; her children, Thomas (Laura McKee), Susan, Richard (Beckie); her grandchildren, Alyssa, Eric, and Emily; and her brother, John Steinmetz (Barbara Riley).
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, followed by a memorial service at 11 am. Interment will be held privately at Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunday Breakfast Mission, 110 Poplar St, Wilmington, DE 19801 or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.
Mary Horejsh
So sorry for your loss. I worked side by side for many years with Val at the Prange Company. She was always so sweet and caring.
Mary Horejsh
Leland Stein
My thoughts and love are with Susan, her brothers, and her father, along with extended family members, as you come together with friends to share memories and stories of a remarkable, loving mother and wife who will truly be there in spirit, today and always.
Fred King
I was saddened to hear of Val’s passing. My thoughts are with Al, family members, and friends of Val.
Phil and Patt Chenier
Dear Al and family, Sorry to hear about Val. She was a kind and dear person. We will keep you in our prayers as you go through a sad time in life. We hope she did not suffer too much at the end. God bless you and the family.
Jill Althage
I salute Ms. Valerie Denio for all that has been stated and especially for raising such a wonderful son, Tom. Your family will be in our hearts, thoughts and cares.
Norman Henry
Sorry to hear about Val. I know that you provided great care and love during your life together and marriage for over 50 years,
Dean & Diane Nelson
Al,
We send our thoughts to you and your family. We wish you strength in this sad time. We very much enjoyed yours and Vals time when you were in Eau Claire.
Vida Praitis & Roger Hill
Dear Denio Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
The Godfrey Family
Val was the Nottingham Green Garden Club Treasurer and member until the membership aged out, and we enjoyed good fellowship.
God’s Garden
The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God’s Heart in the garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
–Dorothy F. Gurney, God’s Garden, A Little Book of Quiet, 1915
We hope that the “everlasting love” and “everlasting arms” of God will sustain you in your grief, giving you a hope, knowing you will meet again as Jesus promises.
Marie, Don, Donna and Nancy Godfrey
Newark, DE
Joseph Mauro
A beautiful photograph of a beautiful woman. She was delightful and a loving companion. Al shared many stories. I look forward to learning more. God bless you and your family. Joe Mauro & Ruthea Miller
Mark anderson
Sorry for your loss. Take care, Mark Anderson from Eau Claire.
Judy dirks
Al and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Valerie. Such a nice lady. Peace and blessings, Judy Dirks
Stephen S Gosch
I was deeply moved by the photos depicting Val’s rich life. Her grace and kindness shine through in all the pictures. May her spirit rest in peace. My heart-felt condolences to my good friend Al and his lovely family.
Jim
Hello to the family of Valerie, my sincerest condolences for your loss. I am reaching out as I have acquired a Bible from Valerie’s family, which has both family history, and photos, dating back to 1797. I bought it at an estate sale. I am a genealogist in my family and did not want to see this piece of family history lost forever. Please reach out to me if you are interested in it.
Sincerely, Jim Brady-