Valerie Thorne Carlsen was born on August 26th 1932 in El Cajon, California, to Fred and Dorothy Thorne and passed away on April 19th 2025. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 on May 24th at Clairemont Lutheran Church, 4271 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117

Valerie had one sister, Diana, and is survived by her three children Leslie, Dusty and Curtis. From the very beginning, she had a curious mind, a mischievous sense of humor, and a love for life's little surprises. Growing up in a home where wonder was encouraged—especially through her father's famous butterfly collection—she developed a lifelong fascination with nature’s delicate artistry. But it was her own unique spirit that truly set her apart. Whether orchestrating legendary April Fools’ pranks or curating her one-of-a-kind collection of rear-end photos and her Modigliani, Valerie had a gift for finding laughter in the unexpected. She taught everyone around her that joy is meant to be celebrated in the most delightful and unapologetic ways. And family is what’s important.

Valerie attended SDSU, studying Social Psychology. She met Carl, the first love of her life at college. They married, and made their home on Masters Place in Serra Mesa. The neighborhood was more than just a culdesac; it was a haven for young families, a place where kids ran freely, games stretched into the evening, and friendships were forged that have stood the test of time. Through every game of hide-and-seek, every spirited volleyball match, and every kickball showdown, she and her friends fostered a world where joy and connection flourished. She taught us that home is not just where we live, but where we love—and the legacy of the friendships she nurtured carries on to this day.

Valerie worked as a counselor, a receptionist at Convair, and a clinician at the Schick Center.

Valerie and Carl raised 3 children and 2 dogs. Valerie kept up the house and yard, and Carl enhanced their homes with stone walls, landscaping, large fish ponds with fountains, and furniture of all kinds.

After years at Masters Place, the family moved to Lake Athabaska Place, and then to Jennite Drive in Del Cerro. They lived there at the foot of Cowles Mountain for many years. Throughout all these moves, the Masters Place gang kept in touch, getting together often, going to SDSU Aztec games, and stirring up trouble in general.

Carl died of cancer on March 1st 1986. Valerie kept him at home to the end, taking good care of him for a year so he could be at home with family. Valerie stayed at Jennite a long while after that. She started swing dancing after spending years on her own, and it was there that she met John Tucker. She and John were together for decades, moving to Santee and then finally to Penrose street by Mission Bay.

Eventually they moved into assisted living, and it was there that John succumbed to Covid during the pandemic. Valerie died after being bedridden for another three years.

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