Valerie Carpenter Messer

Jan 23, 1936 - July 17, 2021

On Saturday, July 17th, Valerie Carpenter Messer, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 85. Valerie was born in Berkeley, California at Alta Bates Hospital. She was a fourth generation Californian and the second of four generations to graduate from UC Berkeley. Valerie lived in the same house until she got married in 1956. After moving more than 15 times, she ended up 2 miles from where she was born. Valerie worked at the Bella-Vista Child Care Center in Oakland from 1973 to 1999. After “retirement” she spent the next decades supporting her favorite non-profits, gardening, taking care of her grandkids and traveling the world. Valerie was pre-deceased by her mother Euda Carpenter and father, Dr. Harold Carpenter. She is survived by her children, Ellen Carroll (John) Gordon Messer (Jane Hodges), and Katie Russo (Al Meadows). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Madeline Elbgal (Andrew Gamarra), Ian Westcott (Erika), Graham Messer, Jack Russo, Cooper Russo, her great grandchildren, Nadia, Zaynab, Anastasya and Saraiah, the father of her children, Alvan Messer, and the fathers of her grandchildren, Jeff Westcott, Muhammad Elbgal, and Anthony Russo. She is also survived by her beloved cousin Gay Havens and her niece Laura Carpenter. Valerie traveled the world checking off every item on her bucket list. Her favorite place, however, was Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe, where she spent every summer growing up. Anyone who knew Valerie knew what a quick wit, strong will and great sense of humor she had. Even though she may have been going through one of her several serious health issues (9 to be exact), you would never know it. Per her wishes, Valerie’s body was donated to UCSF Medical School and no memorial service will be held. If you care to honor her, raise a toast to her memory when you see the moon rise.