Our sympathy extends to her family and all those who knew her.
Date: 20 January 2014
It is with great sadness that we have heard of the tragic news of Valerie Graves' untimely passing.
Valerie was a popular and valued technician in the Design and Graphics area for many years before she moved onto further her own aspirations as a textile artist. She was widely respected for her expertise, good humour and generous nature.
Our sympathy extends to her family and all those who knew her, during her time with us here at London Guildhall University and then London Metropolitan University. Some words of remembrance from The Cass staff:
‘Valerie really enjoyed being with the students, earnest about the work they did and her own practice. The college was so lucky to have such a gifted member of staff.’ Kaye Newman
‘Valerie was a very dear friend for over 20 years and I will miss her tremendously. She was one of the most genuinely kind, giving people I've ever met and spent most of her life, looking after other people ahead of herself, whether they were family, friends or students.
Val was one of the first people I met when we moved the course I worked on from Tower Hill to Commercial Road back in 1991 and we spent almost every lunchtime in the canteen together, along with Dr Mike King for the next several years.
I was lucky enough to again have lunch with both Val and Mike in a local restaurant on Dec 13th 2013. Although we had no idea that it would be the last time we would meet, we parted ways with a big hug. That someone so warm and caring should be the victim of such a terrible crime is something I cannot comprehend and that final hug has become a moment in my life that I will treasure forever.’ Rennay Mathurin
‘I remember Val as a considerate and sensitive member of the team with a great sense of humour and a strong work ethic. When she left to start a new phase of her life, we were sad to see her go but happy that she was finding her true vocation as an artist in her own right. She will be missed by all who worked alongside her.’ Marianne Forrest
Our condolences go out to all her friends and family, in the hope that some resolution will be found and solace thereafter.
