Valerie Matthews Death & Obituary: Valerie Anne Matthews, a respected architect, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the age of 89. She died at her home in Charlottesville, Virginia, marking the end of a life full of accomplishments, resilience, and quiet grace. Valerie’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
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Early Life and Education: A Foundation of Curiosity and Creativity
Born on May 11, 1935, in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Valerie (affectionately known as Val) was the daughter of Rupert Borchers, a geologist, and Muriel Borchers (née Ward), an artist. Growing up in an environment that fostered curiosity and creativity, Val was shaped by the influences of both science and art. Her academic journey began at Roedean School in Johannesburg, where she attended from a young age and later boarded at the school, a formative experience in her development.
Val went on to study architecture at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where she excelled in a field dominated by men. Her perseverance and skill allowed her to break barriers and make significant contributions to the world of architecture.
Career and Legacy: A Distinguished Architect
Val’s professional journey spanned several cities, including Johannesburg, London, Edinburgh, and Mount Kisco, New York, before she settled in Charlottesville, Virginia. There, she became an integral part of the architectural firm Hayward, Llorens, and Boyd, where she worked until her retirement in 1994. Throughout her career, Val was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to collaborate with others. Her work, while often understated, left a lasting impact on the built environment in various parts of the world.
Family and Personal Struggles: A Mother’s Unwavering Love
Despite her professional success, Val’s personal life was marked by immense grief when she lost her daughter, Anne, in 1994. At just 29 years old, Anne’s sudden passing left behind two orphaned children in South Africa. Val stepped in to raise her grandchildren, embracing the role of a grandmother with the same dedication and warmth she had given to her own children. Val’s strength and resilience in the face of personal loss became a defining characteristic of her life.
Finding Peace in Simple Pleasures: Gratitude in Later Years
In her later years, Val found joy in the small moments of life—whether it was the sound of a passing train, a sunrise, or the sight of bluebirds in her yard. Her appreciation for the simple pleasures around her became a testament to her gratitude for life. Val’s laughter, kind smile, and warmth made her a beloved figure to all who knew her.
She also remained actively engaged in creative pursuits, enjoying weekly art sessions with her dear friend, Brenda, and participating in a short story club. Music, literature, and the arts remained a constant source of inspiration and comfort to her throughout her life.
Final Years and Care: A Family’s Gratitude for Devoted Caregivers
As Val aged, she was fortunate to have a dedicated team of caregivers who provided her with in-home care. These extraordinary individuals brought not only skill and professionalism but also love and humor, ensuring that her final years were filled with the same warmth and care that she had shared with others throughout her life.
A Lasting Legacy: Love, Strength, and Inspiration
Valerie Matthews’ legacy lives on in the lives of her family, friends, and colleagues. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her, as they carry forward the lessons she imparted about love, resilience, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Her children and grandchildren will forever remember her as a source of strength, love, and guidance, while her friends will miss her infectious enthusiasm for life. Valerie’s impact on the world was profound, and though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to shine brightly.
Conclusion: Rest in Peace, Valerie Matthews
Valerie Matthews was a woman who gave freely of herself—through her work as an architect, her dedication to her family, and her kindness toward all she encountered. She was loved beyond measure, and while she has passed, her memory will remain in the hearts of her family and friends. Rest in peace, Valerie. The world is a better place because you were in it, and your legacy will never be forgotten.