John Bligh
- Retired teacher
Retiree Valerie Fata missed teaching so much she couldn’t stay away from the classroom.
She worked with special education students in Queens for nearly 40 years, first as a teacher and then as a per-diem substitute and an F-status teacher. A UFT member for 30 years, Valerie spent most of her career at PS 224 in Glen Oaks, but she also worked briefly at PS 499 in Flushing.
Valerie, 66, died of coronavirus on April 11.
Friend and colleague Arlene Hofler said, “Valerie was an esteemed member of the PS 224 community. She was a teacher, mentor, literacy coach. When she retired, she was a favorite sub. Val always made sure every teacher she came in contact with was supported well into their career.”
Laura Everall said her sister-in-law “had a very keen sense of empathy.”
At Christmas and other holidays, Valerie would bring gifts to her students. But her generosity continued year-round. She helped students “with clothing and food their families could not afford,” said Elaine Feldman, a friend and coworker for more than 30 years. “She would have birthday parties for the children whose parents did not send anything,” said Hofler.
“She was kind and giving, but tough when she needed to be,” said Feldman. “She had a great sense of humor.”
Everall agreed. “She always made me feel at ease and I appreciated her quick wit,” she said. “I will always remember her laughing eyes.”
One of Valerie’s treasured life experiences was studying in England as part of a student exchange program. She attended the former Jersey City State College and had advanced training in traumatic brain injuries. She was “the definition of a lifelong learner,” Hofler said.
Chinese food was among her favorite things, and Valerie loved going to the movies and the theater and sharing those outings with her daughter, Gina. Friends said Gina was “always the light of her life.”
Valerie is survived by her daughter.
Condolences may be sent to:
Gina Fata
132 Church St., Apt. 2B
Kings Park, NY 11754
Valerie was a beautiful person inside and out – I learned so many things from her working side by side with her at the District office for scoring – we had the best times with laughter and fun, I know she enjoyed a good flank steak and Portuguese food and we visited the theater together and she always knew a good restaurant to recommend – She thought the world of her daughter Gina – I will miss keeping in touch with her – she was one of the best and touched so many lives
I’m so sorry Valerie passed. My name is Helen Young. I am also from P.S.224 and worked with Valerie when she came to my site in Bayside.
She was so good to the kids and a friendly person. My deepest condolences to you. She will truly be missed.
Valerie would do so many things for children and without anyone knowing .Valerie would often talk about her experiences studying in England on the exchange program that her high school offered ( ST Vincent Ferrer in Manhattan) .Growing up in Woodside Queens she would travel to New Jersey to attend Jersey City State College .During holidays Valerie would bring gifts to her students whos parents were not able to give. The United Federation of Teachers will never have the honor of knowing anyone as giving as Valerie Fata . May God rest your beautiful soul in heaven .
No child had a better advocate and protector. No novice teacher had a better mentor. And if you were lucky enough to know Valerie, no one had a better friend.
Thank you Beth
Well said Beth … I will miss my dear friend.
No child had a better advocate and protector than Val. No novice teacher had a better mentor. And if you were lucky enough to have Valerie on your side, you could not have a better friend.
Val was always there for you when you needed her most.
She never hesitated to go out of her way for you…
You could always count on Val to be honest when you asked her for advice. I never met anyone as giving as Val and can’t imagine I ever will.
Thank you Susan
Ms. Fata you are the best. I will always be greatful to you for all the help you gave me over the years. My deepest condolences goes out to your family and friends. Rest in perfect peace my friend.
Thank You Gloria
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. So sorry for your loss Fata family.
Thank You Liz