Valerie Ann Sullivan's Obituary
Valerie A. Sullivan, also known as Val, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones January 23, 2024, at the age of 60 in Tallahassee, Florida. She was born on August 17, 1963, in Saranac Lake, NY. Val was a loving, strong, and caring individual who adored her family. She had a great passion for the beach, bird watching and cherished Christmas.
Valerie is survived by her wife, Valerie Kibler, her sister Jennifer Sullivan, her nieces Nicole McIntyre (Jimmy) and Sarah Owens (Eric), her nephew Drew Fabian, and her uncle Matthew Scinto. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Lynne Sullivan.
Valerie received her education at Albemarle High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Slippery Rock University. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Sciences in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University Followed by a teaching assignment in Germany. She then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Florida A&M University.
Val began her career as a Physical Therapist and later became a Certified Wound Care specialist by the American Academy of Wound Management. Her dedication and expertise in the field were recognized when she received the Distinguished Member award from the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care. Val worked at Capital Regional Medical Center for 25 years and concluded her career as a Healthcare Risk Manager at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital.
Valerie was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, where she worshipped. She found joy in various hobbies, starting with field hockey, softball, and lacrosse, until she fell in love with Rugby. Val played rugby at Slippery Rock University and FSU and was honored to be a member of the 1991 US Women's Rugby Team that won the World Cup in Wales. Her remarkable achievements led to her induction into the US Women's Rugby Hall of Fame in 2017.
A memorial service for Valerie will be held Saturday January 27 at 10AM at St. Stephen Lutheran Church located at 2198 N Meridian Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the US Women's Rugby Foundation https://www.uswrf.org or St. Jude https://www/stjude.org/donatetoday
Valerie A. Sullivan will be deeply missed by her loved ones, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy as a dedicated physical therapist, accomplished rugby player, and caring individual will be cherished forever.
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