Lois Claire Brunner Valentine, born February 28, 1938, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024. She lived a life marked by love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, Lois later moved to Lakeland, FL, before attending Texas State College for Women. Though financial constraints led her to leave college after a year, Lois’s drive and ambition guided her toward a successful career as a flight stewardess with Southern Airways and Northwest Orient Airlines. During her travels, she met and married Darrell L. Valentine, a United States Navy Sailor.  The military life took her across the country several times, before they eventually settled in Virginia Beach, VA.

In Virginia Beach, Lois dedicated herself to her family and her passion for education. She balanced raising her children with pursuing higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in education administration from Old Dominion University. Her career in education flourished as she became the Director of a National Daycare Center and later co-founded The Virginia Beach Country Day School, where she served for 21 years. She expanded her educational impact by opening Linlier Preschool before retiring.

A lover of the theater and performing arts, Lois integrated her passion into her schools, directing 21 children’s theatrical productions that inspired and entertained countless young minds. Her commitment to community extended to her church, where she sang in the choir, and to the Pilot Club of Virginia Beach, where she served multiple terms as president and was honored to be the Virginia District Governor for Pilot International (1995-1996).

Lois also had a deep love for travel and learning, always enthusiastic about her next adventure. Her journeys took her to remarkable destinations including New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, Ireland, England, Norway, and Scotland, among many others. Wherever she traveled, she made it a point to explore historical sites and landmarks, with each trip adding to her collection of experiences.

Lois was extremely proud of her family. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Charlene Valentine of Arroyo Grande, CA; her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Keith Kopecko of Virginia Beach, VA; her beloved grandchildren, Caroline Keech, husband Jake Keech and Christopher Kopecko; and her sisters, Jean Cummins and Pat Burriss of Riverview, FL. After retiring, Lois and Darrell enjoyed their time in Melbourne, Florida from 2001 to 2010 before returning to Virginia Beach.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor.

Lois’s legacy of love, education, and community service will be remembered with deep affection.  May she rest in peace knowing that her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the enduring love of her family.