HERNANDEZ, Valerie (Val) Margaret

Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona Valerie Margaret Hernandez (January 20, 1972 - April 21, 2013) Valerie Hernandez, 41, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2013 following a short illness. Val, as she was known to friends and family, was the Communications Manager for the Flagstaff Police, Coconino County Sheriff, and Fire 911 Center at the Law Enforcement Administrative Facility on Sawmill Road in Flagstaff. Val began service to the citizens of Flagstaff in the Police Records Section in 1991. She transferred into the Communications Section in 1993, and was promoted to Dispatch Lead worker in 1999. In 2011 Val was promoted to Communications Manager. Val’s dedication to her community and profession has been noted by the numerous commendations she has received over the years. She loved her job and the people she worked with. Her infectious smile and sense of humor will be missed by her family, friends and co-workers. Valerie was born on January 20, 1972 and graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1990. She earned a degree in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2008. Val always made time for everyone. She was her mother’s rock; she never missed an opportunity to support her niece, nephew, and cousins as they participated in a variety of activities. She enjoyed spending time outdoors in her beloved Flagstaff, and traveling to Europe and places in the United States. Val was passionate about life. She was a champion shopper, especially when it involved purses and shoes. She loved everything Irish, enjoying many hours at the Northern Arizona Celtic Festival each summer. Staying connected to friends through social networking was another of her joys. A favorite quote of Val’s is posted on her Face Book page: “Be true to your work, your word, and your friend”—Henry David Thoreau. She looked forward to meeting up with friends anytime—at parties, on the street, at the mall, or at Uptown Billiards on Friday evenings. She enjoyed fine wine and good food, especially her mom’s enchiladas. Valerie is survived by her mother, Margaret Corrine Hernandez; brother Randy (Lara) Hernandez; nephew and niece, Zachary and Cassie Hernandez; grandfather, Preciliano Chavez; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; and the many friends who considered her part of their families. She was preceded in death by her father, Manuel G. Hernandez; grandmother, Chrysanta Chavez; and aunts, Pat Hernandez and Theresa Clerry, and uncle, Sam Clerry. A Rosary will be held on Friday April 26th, at the new San Francisco De Asis Church (1600 E. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ) at 10:00 a.m. A public Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Flowers, cards, condolences and donations for the Hernandez family may be left at, or sent to, the Flagstaff Police Department, 911 E. Sawmill Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Mail should be addressed to the attention of “Valerie Hernandez Memorial.”