I was deeply saddened to hear of Val’s passing. We were childhood friends when she lived in Allen Park Michigan. Val was always kind and happy in Jr. High School I was always her lab partner in Science. Val and I shared a love and respect for animals. When it came time to cut up a frog in science class as lab partners we had to get through it and get a good grade so we encouraged each other through the class and got a “B” that grade was a let down for Val but it was just fine with me. We both loved music I leaned toward Rock and Roll and Val appreciated everything! she did her best to explain music to me and I did my best sharing Fine Art with her. She knew everything about the great composers and I knew a great deal about the worlds greatest Artists, when her family moved to another part of Michigan our good bye was tearful but a friendship was established. I toured the world courtesy of the USArmy and Val continued to be a great musician. Many years later One of my Children wanted to attend Juilliard, I contacted Val for advice and found her to be the same kind and caring good person she was when we were lab partners in Jr. High School. Val talked with my son multiple times about Juliard and truly helped him, she helped arrange a audition for him and really acted as a mentor. Her kindness and guidance helped my son a great deal, when he didn’t get accepted to Julliard I asked him if he was disappointed he said he was but that he had in his many conversations with Val was prepared for a no as much as he was prepared for a yes, Val helped him see all aspects of a career in the arts, Something I had tried to do but failed to achieve, in the end my son studied Economics at the University of Virginia and though his life and career was short he made the most of it, My son passed last year at age 40 from a heart attack which came with no warning or prior illness. I am not a religious person but my firsf thought upon hearing about Val’s passing was I hope my son Carl can now help her. I thought the world of Val her talent and her great kindness, though life had different plans for each of us, Val always seemed to be the friend that was always there and whose kindness and good will was always at the ready for friends. That we became such good friends over cutting up a dead frog was I grant you quite unique but when you meet a person with such a great capacity for kindness to everyone I don’t find it to be surprising that we remained friends all these years. I am truly sorry I did not learn of her passing at the time. My condolences to you and your family on her untimely loss. With my deepest sympathy, Charlie Johnson

Dear Ron Daniels and family, We were just shocked to learn of your dear Valerie's death. She was such a warm and vibrant person and an outstanding musician and colleague. The tribute in this morning's paper was so true and good. Her passing is a great loss to the musical world and also to you so recently married. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Rodney and Ann

I was so shocked to learn of my dear cousin Val’s passing. Her father and my father were brothers and Val and I spent so much time together growing up. I can remember we would be playing outside, having the best of time, when Aunt Max would call Val into the house to practice her viola. One time I looked to Val and said, “why do you need to practice, what are you ever going to do with a viola anyway?” Well, little did I realize, as a child, she would become such an iconic artist with her music!

As we grew older and the world of music would take Val to many different places, our times together would become fewer and far between. We always kept in touch with holiday cards and so enjoyed her visit back to Kalamazoo this past May. I got to meet Ron, the love of her life, and we spent an afternoon reminiscing about our younger days.

I shall miss you, dear cousin, and one day we will meet again. Rest In Peace, love you.

RD

I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences

My family and I were shocked to hear of Val's untimely passing. She lived as a most loving and caring person, gracious and humble in every respect, and she will remain so in memory.

In addition to being an accomplished musician and teacher, Val was someone who touched your soul upon a first meeting. Val was my wife's best friend since the early 80s, and they remained the best of friends for a lifetime. In addition, Val was a surrogate aunt to my two daughters, Elizabeth and Julia, and was very involved in their upbringing throughout their childhood. It was a given that "Aunt Val," often with her beloved mother Maxine, would attend their various school and recreational activities as much as her busy schedule allowed. But somehow, Val always found the time.

She was a regular at family events, and always on holidays, where her love of people, food, and drink added a special festive note to the celebration. In addition, my older daughter Elizabeth was thrilled to dance the Nutcracker ballet with Aunt Val playing with the BPO one Christmas season. Val also played a solo for Elizabeth's wedding in June 2018 and arranged the musical accompaniment at the reception. My family is forever grateful that she was such an integral part of our lives, and she will remain very dear to all of us.

Our utmost sympathies to her family and many friends, as well as to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, where her talents and personality were on display for all to appreciate. We have lost a good soul and a wonderful friend.

We will always love Val, and she will be deeply missed. May she rest in eternal peace.

Tony, Bernadette, Elizabeth, and Julia Cofrancesco

I knew Valerie through my work as a staff member of the Buffalo Philharmonic. She was a phenomenal violist and a cornerstone of the BPO and of Western New York's music community. She touched so many lives during her time with the orchestra. We were all so lucky to have her. I was heartbroken to hear of her death. I hope the family can take comfort in knowing that her legacy will last forever, in the form of the many BPO recordings she was part of, the students she taught, the young musicians she mentored, and in the hearts of the thousands who heard her perform during her brilliant career. She will truly be missed.

I first worked with Valerie in the Emerson Lake & Palmer tour in 1977. Over the years since then, we have shared the stage at many concerts. I know her as a thoroughly professional artist and teacher. I am deeply distressed to learn of her passing. My condolences to all who worked with her, learned from her, and loved her.