Obituary of Valerie Stilwell

Valerie O’Prey Stilwell, 86, of Greenlawn, NY passed away peacefully at home on February 29, 2024, surrounded by family. She was well-loved by everyone who knew her, many of whom often marveled at the fact that she never swore, never drank alcohol, never smoked, never lied, and never had a bad thing to say about anyone – even her ex-husband. While her three sisters were given Irish names, she was given the name Valerie, since she was born on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 1938). She lived with her parents Elizabeth and David O’Prey in Huntington, NY and was the third of four daughters, Mary, Margaret, and Maureen, who all predeceased her. Her father was co-owner of Dave and Frank’s Market of Huntington, NY and her grandmother, Sara Simpson was a nurse in the maternity ward at Huntington Hospital.

Valerie met her husband, Arnold Stilwell, in Huntington High School. They settled into a house in the nearby village of Greenlawn and had four children, David (Kay), Diane, Douglas (Anthony), and Debra (Louis). Their home was filled with love and laughter, music, great times with extended family and friends, and too many pets to name. The yard was filled with go-cart and minibike rides, treehouses, baseball, kickball, flashlight tag, tv tag, kick the can, swims in the pool, death-defying stunts, and more. And through it all, Valerie would often be seen with a book in her hand, reading.

After her marriage ended, a new life opened up to Valerie. She made it a habit to catch Broadway shows and traveled the world with friends and loved ones. Her favorite place to visit was Ireland, where her parents were from and many of her father’s and mother’s relatives still lived. She worked for Coopers & Lybrand (and then PriceWaterhouse Coopers) for over 25 years, and she often said if she won the lottery, she’d still keep her job.

Valerie was known for her grace, compassion, beauty, kind heart, her BLT sandwiches, her Irish superstitions (don’t even think about walking under a ladder), her amazing Lindy dance footwork, her lifelong ability to kiss a booboo and make it better, her potato salad, M&M cookies and brownies, and her need to tell every one of her children to say please and thank you whenever she dropped them off at a friend’s house.

The happiest times in her life were reserved for family. She lit up whenever she was with her children, her grandchildren: Amanda Hosgood (Rich), Brad Stilwell and Delaney Lograno, and her great-grandchildren: Spencer, Cole, and Nolan Hosgood. She once said whenever she was surrounded by her family, it was like winning the jackpot. In her honor, we ask that you all spread a little kindness wherever you go. In addition to her children and their spouses, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she is survived by her sister-in-law Sally Paul (Joseph), many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, and her best friend of over 70 years, Sally Brady. 

Memorial visitation Sunday March 10th, from 3-7 PM. Burial to follow 11 AM Monday at  Amityville Cemetery.