Valerie Provenzano, 76, passed away on September 6, 2015. Valerie graduated from Hofstra College (now university) in 1961 with a B.A. in Education and Communication Arts, and in 1966 from S.U.N.Y. Geneseo with an M.S. in Communication Disorders. She began her career as a Speech Educator and Clinician in Wyoming. She then moved to Arizona and spent one year as a Speech Pathologist for Phoenix Elementary Schools followed by 33 years with the Tempe Elementary School District. She served as the head of the Speech Department for three years, Secretary of the Tempe Elementary Association, and Secretary and Board member of the Arizona Speech, Hearing, and Language Association. After retirement she served as a board member of the Lyric Music Theater, which supports the music theater at ASU. She leaves behind a sister, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Thomas Byzantine Catholic Church, 19 west Bruce Avenue, Gilbert, AZ, 85233. A divine liturgy and memorial service will be held at St Thomas Byzantine Catholic Church, 9 a.m. October 3, 2015.

(Source: Arizona Republic)