Obituary of Valerie Jean Tardive

Valerie Jean (nee: Thurlby) Tardive of Stanhope passed away Tuesday October 16, 2012 at home. She was 61. Born in Savanna Illinois on September 10, 1951 to the late Allen LeRoy and the late Lois Marie (nee: Paulson) Thurlby, she grew up in Illinois and moved to Roxbury in her teen years. She lived in Mt. Arlington before moving to Stanhope 35 years ago. A graduate of Roxbury High School and Northland College in Wisconsin, she majored in elementary education and library science. Valerie taught at Roxbury Elementary School and then at Netcong Elementary School, retiring after more than 26 years of teaching. She was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1997-1998. She enjoyed being with children as a teacher. Her joy in life was being in the classroom with her students with a smile on her face (as she will be remembered). A collector of Pez Dispensers, she enjoyed spending time with her family including hours of playtime with her granddaughter Teagan, "the special love of her life". Beloved wife for 35 years of Jerry. Devoted mother of Traci VanScyoc and her husband Ira of Breinigsville PA and Vincent Tardive and his wife Alexis of Sparta. Loving grandmother of Teagan. Dear sister of Alana Kelley of Florida and Rick Thurlby and his wife Sharon of North Carolina. Cherished daughter-in-law of the late Vincent and Paula Tardive. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.