Valerie M. Smith, formerly of Perkasie, PA, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the Community at Rockhill, Sellersville, PA. She was 79.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Mary (Morrison) Moritz. A 1961 graduate of Central Bucks High School in Doylestown, PA, she attained her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ursinus College, and went on to a Master of Arts in Education from Beaver College (now Arcadia University).

Mrs. Smith found a calling in her vocation as educator, committed to her students. Over 21 years she taught secondary school English in Palisades and Central Bucks schools, concluding her career at Pennridge School District. Beyond the classroom, as a lifelong reader and lover of the arts, she became a patroness of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival at DeSales University.

Another integral part of her life was the church; she was an active and devoted member, and enjoyed carrying a harmony as an alto in the choir.

Mrs. Smith found joy in other pursuits as well: she was a longtime volunteer at the Pearl S. Buck House, Perkasie, was an occasional poet, and took great delight in her following of the British royal family, once meeting the Queen Mother when the Smiths lived in England for a year, during which the family had the great fortune to travel Europe. She much appreciated travel, especially cruises, and with Jay encouraged their children to travel as well, providing experiences that shaped their lives.

Those who knew her will cherish her memory as a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her partner Jay D. Smith of Perkasie; and her sons Ian Smith and Gregory Smith; six grandchildren Paige, Brennan, Emma, Gwen, Griffin, and Riley; and her siblings Sheila Law, Ronald Moritz, Ernest Moritz, and Dorothy Moritz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura Smith, in 2015.

Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Presbyterian Church of Deep Run, 16 Irish Meetinghouse Road, Perkasie, PA  18944. Inurnment will follow in the adjacent Presbyterian Church of Deep Run Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the to the church at the above-listed address, or to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, 333 E. Lancaster Ave., #414, Wynnewood, PA  19096 or www.alexslemonade.org

Arrangements are made by Suess-Gahman Funeral Home, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie, PA.