In Loving Memory of Valerie Jean Abbott (Jeanne)

March 16, 1945 – February 15, 2025

Valerie Jean Abbott, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, in Roseville, California, at the age of 79. Valerie is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph James Abbott; her loving children and (grandchildren) Kimberly and George Papageorge (Olivia and Petros); Timothy O’Neal (Parker, Rian and Christian); Tiffany and Christian Carvacho (Mason and Karston); Laura and Michael Schultz (Jordan); Mark and Jenny Abbott (Jacob, Natalie, and Grace); and extended family and countless friends. Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, Justin and Lavada Smith, her sister, Janet Perry and her step grandsons, Adam and David Garrett.

Valerie was born in Palo Alto, California, and moved to Chico in her early years. Valerie graduated from Chico High School, where she met her first husband, Charles Lee O’Neal. They married in June of 1964 and together raised three wonderful children: Kimberly, Timothy, and Tiffany.

Valerie had a passion for music, theater  and dance and enjoyed being part of the San Francisco Ballet and season ticket holder to the music circus since 1971.

As a lifelong learner and educator, Valerie attended Colorado Women’s College in the 60’s and returned to college, earning her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Sacramento, in 1983. She excelled in the field of Interior Design and taught at Sac city. She was a highly decorated member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and an accredited NCIDQ Designer. Her creativity and talent shined through her remarkable show houses, leaving a lasting mark with her eye for beauty and detail.

Valerie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her vibrant spirit, warmth, and unwavering love for others will have a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Valerie’s generosity and selflessness defined her. A friend to all, she was deeply interested in others, always welcoming, making everyone around her feel valued.

For 25 years, she dedicated herself to serving as a Young Life leader, sharing love, faith, and encouragement with countless young people. She had a heart open to all and a spirit that uplifted those around her.

In earlier years, Valerie was known for driving around town in her signature pink Cadillac, a fitting symbol of her unmistakable presence and infectious joy. Her laughter was contagious, her kindness boundless, and her willingness to help others was truly unmatched. She was loved by all who knew her.

In 1996, Valerie married Joseph James Abbott, and together they shared 29 beautiful years. She embraced her stepchildren as her own and took immense pride in being an adoring grandmother to thirteen wonderful grandchildren.

Valerie’s love for her family was the foundation of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and loved ones.

Services will be held on Wednesday, March 5th. At 10:00 AM, a graveside service will be held at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA. Valerie will be buried in advance of her husband Joseph James Abbott, a U. S. Army Veteran. At 12:30 PM, all are invited to honor and celebrate Valerie’s life at Christ Community Church in Carmichael, CA, with a reception to follow.

Flowers and charitable contributions are welcome. The family kindly requests donations be made in Valerie’s name to Convoy of Hope, a faith-based organization that serves people all over the world who are impoverished, hungry, and hurting.

Valerie made our world a better place and her legacy of love, kindness, and laughter lives on in every heart fortunate enough to know her. May her memory be eternal.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”

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