Valerie Sue Carlson

Valerie Sue Carlson entered heaven peacefully on Saturday March 24th after a long battle with cancer at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland. She passed in the presence of her family at the age of 75. Valerie was born on January 5th 1943 to Betty and Jay Tinti in Oakland and raised in San Lorenzo. She was survived by her husband John Carlson, daughter Tiffany Ghoddoucy, son Matthew Carlson and many loving family and friends.

Valerie grew up in San Lorenzo and graduated from San Jose State University with a Degree in Education with a Math minor. Valerie met her husband Jack at a clothing store in Hayward, dated and got married at First Methodist Church in San Leandro on August 15th 1964. They moved to Marin County, bought their first home, and raised two children. Valerie was a 2nd grade school Teacher before raising children. When the kids were older, Valerie went back into education, but then worked for over 15 years in advertising where she finished her career. Valerie volunteered at various organizations, including Meals on Wheels and a Wildlife center in Marin. She enjoyed hosting exchange students from all over the world.

Valerie had a variety of hobbies and interests. She loved traveling with her husband, which she did to well over 30 countries. Being part Italian, Valerie loved Italy the most. She cooked Italian food, learned to speak Italian and traveled to Italy several times. Aside from traveling the world, one of her favorite things to do was to go shopping, especially for jewelry. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, painting and playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles, as well as being an avid 49er fan, holding season tickets for years.

Valerie’s true passion was her family and friends. She was very involved in her family’s lives. She loved her husband and loved being a mom and grandmother to her children and grandchildren.

Valerie was larger than life and will be missed by her family and friends.

Funeral Services were held at 1st Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo in San Anselmo on April 8th, 2018 at 2:00.

Donations can be made in Valerie’s name to Lymphoma/Leukemia Society (www.lls.org) or City of Hope (www.cityofhope.org) Thank you