Valerie Jean Graziano

Valerie Jean Graziano (Frogner) was born on April 4, 1954, to Norman and Mary Frogner in Chicago, Illinois, and entered Heaven’s Gates on March 16, 2026.

Valerie grew up in Berkeley, Il with her loving parents and younger brother, Larry. Their family was close-knit and full of love. She often laughed while sharing stories of playfully picking on her little brother, whom she loved deeply.

From an early age, Valerie had a love for music and could often be found singing – especially when she thought no one was listening. She was also incredibly artistic, always drawing and creating, a talent she carried throughout her life. She had a natural gift, though she wouldn’t admit it.

She went on to marry the love of her life, John Graziano, her soul mate of 46 years. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four children together. She found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments with her family. She enjoyed vacations, camping trips, baseball games, trips to the casino, music shows in Branson, Mo, the pool at Aquatica (her favorite), and sharing home-cooked meals with her family and friends.

To Valerie, family was everything. Whether by blood or by choice, if she welcomed you into her heart, there was nothing she wouldn’t do for you. Valerie had a natural gift for putting others first and she lived her life in service to others. Her nurturing spirit also extended to her careers. Valerie was a woman of great intelligence and wisdom, always offering guidance and answers to those around her. Though she had earned several degrees and dedicated 29 years to medical records before retiring, her true passion was teaching and working with children.

Valerie held a special place in her heart for children with special needs, working in schools, driving a bus for children with disabilities, and volunteering with Special Olympics. She had a remarkable gift for making every child feel seen, valued, and loved. Later, she homeschooled her two youngest children and lovingly began teaching her grandchildren even before they started kindergarten.

Valerie was the definition of selfless – a devoted caregiver, a protector, and a constant source of love for her family and her beloved pets. She had a deep love for her pets, treating them as cherished members of the family, even preparing full-course meals with the same care she gave to everyone she loved.

Even during her own health struggles, her concern was always for others. She was a true warrior, fighting with strength and unwavering faith to have more time with those she loved. Valerie’s family and friends also knew her as strong-willed and stubborn, but her courage, confidence, and determination were part of what made her remarkable.

Valerie’s legacy is one of love, strength, compassion, and devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

Valerie is greeted in Heaven with open arms by her loving husband, John Graziano; her parents, Norman and Mary Frogner; her great-grandson, Nicholas, and her great-granddaughter, McKenzie.

Those left to cherish Valerie’s memory are her brother, Larry and Darlene Frogner; her children, Lisa and Kevin Young, Vivki and Ronny Graves, Charlotte Graziano, and Wyatt Graziano; her grandchildren, Kristen and Ron Teague, Jonathan Young, Kelly and Gary Lamb, Justin Graziano, Nicholas Graziano, Kaitlyn Graves, Caden Dixon, Brylei Dixon, Jaxon, and Callie; her great-grandchildren, Emily, Nevaeh, Gracie, Christopher, Maverick, Faith, Waylon, Bentley, Addy, Emmy, Laklyn, Beckett, Hadleigh, Wrenleigh, and Coleson; her children she claimed as her own, Bailey Arbuckle, Velicia Barrow, George Mavreas, Brianna Austin, Tiffany Ferguson, Kelsey Hurley, Ashley Mattern, and Jeremy Dixon; her niece, Amy, and great-niece, Faith Rose; her nephews, Pat Jones and Frank Jones, along with so many other loving family members and friends.