Valerie J. Kuczmanski

If roses grow in heaven, Lord, please pick a bunch for me, Place them in her arms and tell her they're from me. Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there's an ache within my heart that will never go away. (Dolores M. Garcia)

On May 31, 2024, Valerie Jeanne Kuczmanski, beloved wife, mother of three, and grandmother of six, passed away peacefully, holding her husband Lee's hand. While the titles of wife, mother, and grandmother express the roles Valerie cherished, they only hint at the strong, sweet, creative, and caring person she was.

Born on February 26, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Neil and Rose Diem, Valerie was the first woman in her family to graduate from college. During her college years, she met Lee, and they were honored as the "best couple on campus". This January, they celebrated 59 years of a loving marriage. Valerie grew up in Grosse Pointe, raised her family in Rochester Hills, and spent the last 25 years in Clarkston, Michigan.

Valerie lived a full life, always centered around those she loved. She was devoted to making moments special through the traditions she established for family and friends. Every birthday was marked with a celebratory "Irene's Cake", and each Christmas, her children and grandchildren looked forward to hanging the hand-stitched stockings she made for them. Valerie also treasured running the annual Kuczmanski family tennis tournament as "The Commissioner."

She delighted in watching her husband, children and grandchildren play their favorite sports. For years, she could be found collecting catspaws and conches on Sanibel Island, one of her favorite places. Each fall, she loved going "Up North" with her childhood friends to see the changing colors of the leaves. Valerie was a wonderful cook, an avid reader, a master at crossword puzzles, and unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit.

Her beauty and grace were matched by her inner strength. She was a role model of positivity, with actions that always spoke louder than words. Valerie imparted some of life's most valuable lessons: loyalty to loved ones, patience, resilience, and the importance of creating cherished moments.

Valerie leaves behind Lee, John & Laura Kuczmanski, Mike & Lori Beth Kuczmanski, Kristin Reinke & Patrick Jabal, and grandsons Jack, Joseph, Tyler, Parker, Jake and Owen.  We hope she is now forever surrounded by a field of begonias and serenaded by singing birds, with the sound of gentle waves bringing her everlasting peace.

In remembrance of Valerie, any memorials can be made to the Arthritis Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation .  In addition, her family would love to hear any special memories you have of Valerie at the online guestbook at www.wintfuneralhome.com.