Valerie Lydey

Valerie Ann Perzynski Lydey passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family in her home on January 15, 2014. Born on September 9, 1942 to Lucille Muszynski and Frank Perzynski, Valerie began, unbeknownst at the the time, what was to be a very full and meaningful life. Years later she was blessed with a sister, Jean, who completed their little Polish family. Valerie is preceded in death by both her parents. She is survived by her sister Jean Perzynski Rapoll, her devoted husband Don Lydey, her three sons Dean and his wife Jennifer Valentine, Daniel and his wife Cheri Culberson, and Jacob and his wife Natasha Miller, and her grandchildren, Erica, Emily, Abigail, Allison, Anna, Miranda, and Sam. Valerie graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1960, which were reportedly the best four years of her life, and then she moved on to St. Vincents Nursing School from where she graduated in 1963. She met her future husband during these years, and they were married on May 9, 1964. Soon after, she and Don co-founded the family business Lydey Automation. A devout Catholic, Valerie was a member of the St. Rose of Lima Parish in Perrysburg. Her outgoing and giving personality helped her form many long and lasting friendships during these years that stuck with her to the very end. If ones quality of friends says anything about ones character, it can certainly be said that Valerie was one of a kind. Throughout her life, Valerie was one to give back to those in need, represented most strongly through her work as a volunteer at Heartbeat of Toledo. She raised a family that inspires the envy of many, who all love and genuinely enjoy the time they spend at holidays and in their free time together. Valerie, or Nannie as she was known to her loving grandchildren, loved nothing more deeply than the time she spent surrounded by her family, be it eating a huge home cooked polish feast, opening our Santa gifts together on Christmas Eve, spending a relaxing day at the lake house, or passing on her baking and cooking knowledge to her grandchildren. In the lives of her grandchildren in particular, Nannie had a very special role. From their youth, she made it a point to live near her children and grandchildren so she could be very present in their lives. She was different than most grandparents which is why it can be difficult for others to understand their deep love and devotion towards this woman. Nannie did nothing all her life but give to everyone around her. From teaching them to knit, to teaching them how to bake their favorite apple pie, Nannie always kept them close by. She shared their joys, often saying she would burst her buttons with pride from each of her grandchildren, and she shared their sorrows, crying with them whenever they reached a hard time. If they could put into words how much they love her they would, but they know her response would quickly be I love you more just as she always said. Her family and friends now begin their work to live out their lives in her memory. She does not die within our hearts as long as we work to make her proud. If you were fortunate enough to meet this amazing woman, cherish it. She will be missed by all and has left us with a space in our hearts that cannot be filled. We love you Valerie, Mom, Nannie. When you miss me, look up into the sky and look for the brightest star. That will be me shining down on you. Friends will be received at the Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave. west of Corey on Friday from 2-9 PM where the Rosary will be recited at 4 PM. Funeral services will begin Saturday at 9:45 AM in the funeral home followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 AM in St. Rose Church, Perrysburg. Interment will follow at Ft. Meigs Union Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to Heartbeat of Toledo 4041 W. Sylvania Ave. Suite LL4 Toledo, Ohio 43623. Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com