Obituary of Valerie Alves Alexander

Valerie Alves Alexander, 70, of Portland, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024. Valerie was born on September 30, 1953, in Norwich, to the late Anthony Arthur and Gladys Ralls Alves. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Valerie was a graduate of Norwich Free Academy (1971) and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from Eastern Connecticut State University (1975), Master of Arts from the University of Connecticut (1980), and sixth year professional diploma of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University (2005). Valerie received several education awards recognizing her outstanding creativity, excellence, and leadership in the classroom throughout her 40-year career as an elementary school teacher in Glastonbury Public Schools.  Valerie’s passion for education extended to the community where she served as a board member and host family for the A Better Chance program.  Later in life, Valerie served on the board of the Connecticut Advocates for Parkinson’s, helping to fund curative research and wellness programs.

Valerie will be remembered by family and friends for her giving spirit and illuminating smile. Valerie is survived by her husband, Louis Alexander Jr., of Portland; her son, Brandon Banks,  his wife Fallon DePina Banks, and her grandchildren, Tyson and Ava DePina Banks, of Canton; her niece Nicole Watson Jones and husband Richard Jones, and their daughter, Kali Jones, of Stamford; her brother-in-law, Thadeus Watson, of Hamden; her nephew, Jason Watson, of Hamden; her stepchildren Louis Alexander III and Tonya Alexander of Little Rock, Arkansas; as well as her beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Valerie was predeceased by her sister Janet Watson.

A celebration of life will be held for Valerie on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 12:00 pm at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury. Burial will be in the Green Cemetery, Glastonbury. Friends may call on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.