No services are planned for Valerie Suzette Fittell, 66, Lawrence.
She passed away painlessly of natural causes, surrounded by her family on November 13, 2020.
Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, the fifth child of Arthur Henry Poidevin and Stacy Sylvia Gerlach Poidevin.
Growing up on Anna Maria Island, Val fell in love with the warm waters and beaches of the gulf coast. There, she met God at the Church of the Annunciation, made incredible lifelong friends, became a proud member of Tri Delta, and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Communications. Val also loved to dance and once got in trouble for riding her pony to school.
The next stage of her life made for wonderful stories of her time with the Girls Club in Birmingham, Alabama before moving to Berkley, California with her then husband Kevin Brown. California sprinkled new spices into her life (and cooking) before finding herself in Lawrence, KS.
After years of missing the ocean, Val finally conceded herself a Kansan after finding life-long love in John Fittell with whom she grew their family in the landlocked state that used to be the bottom of a sea. Val’s 27-year career as a Massage Therapist blossomed as she touched people’s lives literally and figuratively. Val’s passion for sewing and creating educational activities led her to a perfect niche among the ladies of the Over the Rainbow Doll Club. She found incredible joy in being a (grand)mother and friend. She loved openly and deeply, and could always be counted on for a kind word of advice.
In her final years, ALS took Val’s physical autonomy, but never her strength of spirit. She passed away peacefully, in charge, and surrounded by love.
Valerie is survived by her husband John Fittell; daughters and sons-in-law Camille Fittell, Carol Fittell, Carlyle and Justin Salb, and Kathleen and Michael Hethcoat-Doyle; grandchildren Penelope Salb, Tallulah Salb, and Addison Hethcoat-Doyle; her brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Karen Poidevin; and sister Kathleen Hoffiz. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Sylvia, and two of her brothers: Norman and William Poidevin
So sorry to hear of passing of Valerie. Condolences to her family and friends.
I miss Val’s smile, laughter, patience, leadership, and the wealth of knowledge she freely passed to others about her favorite things and hobbies. I am so sorry about her loss. My deepest sympathies to her friends and family.
Dear John, Carol, Cami and Carly. So sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful and caring person who will be missed. Marcia considered her a good friend. Stay strong.
John and family,
So sorry to learn of your loss. You were such great neighbors, always cheerful and so helpful and encouraging; so fun to be with. Val was a special person, and she will be sorely missed. We would love to be able to get back into contact with you, so let us know your mail and email addresses. We are praying for you!
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sad time.
Carly and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you will hold her in your heart forever. Hold tight to your family and friends. I wish you peace. Cindy Yulich and family
So sorry John and girls for your loss. Val was a talented lady who loved her family!
So sorry for your loss. Her smile and energy will be missed by all.
Memories of sitting through gymnastic and diving meets of our daughters years ago. Val always brought her energy and support to the girls. Thinking of your family at this sad time.
My condolences to John and “the girls”. I will miss Val’s bright light in this world.
Dear John, Carol, Cami and Carly. I am so sorry you have lost this special lady. When it comes to raising children a mother’s work is never finished. You three are a living memorial to her love and skill.
Val was a large part of my life for many years. My weekly visits with Val were wonderful and healing, and I cherished the time I spent with her. We always talked about her daughters and grand daughters and the joy they brought to her life. My condolences to John, Carol, Camille, Carly and her family.
Mark and I have Val in our thoughts and hearts today. She and I shared a love of decorating, fashion and creative sewing that I will always remember–and her humor and laugh! To John and the girls, we are sorry for your loss.
Our sincere condolences to family and friends of our MHS Class of 1972 Alumna.
Manatee High School Alumni Association
Bradenton, FL
Camille, thinking of you and your family today. I remember the many conversations your Mom and I had around you and Brock. You two were inseparable in your Raintree days. She was so talented and positive, and I’ll always remember her smile.
Val touched so many lives with her friendship, light and love. Even in this heartbreaking sadness, thinking of her brings joy and delight. So blessed to call her my friend, to have many happy memories of her. I am so sorry for your loss, my heart and prayers are with you all.
My condolences to Valarie’s family. It was so wonderful to see her in February when I was in Lawrence. She was upbeat and positive, as always. I still miss her massages!
Val has been my best new friend since moving to Lawrence. I’m sure many others feel similarly. She was good at friendship, creativity, support. Also at parenting. Her lovely family is a testament. She and John have enjoyed their daughters and grand daughters. Your warm and shining light will be missed.
Val brought light and joy to this world. I’m sorry for your loss.