A life that touched so many hearts will be forever remembered.
Obituary
Valerie Anne Smythe, was a cherished resident of Farnborough, Hampshire. She passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born in Knowle, West Midlands on June 7, 1942, to Kathleen Brambleby and Reginald Brambleby, and sibling to her dear brother John Brambleby, Valerie was a beacon of love and compassion, traits that endeared her to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Valerie's life was a testament to love, resilience, fun and generosity.
With over four decades of marriage with her beloved husband, Kenneth Robert Smythe, their partnership was a source of inspiration to all of their extended family and friends, as they navigated life's journey hand in hand, marked by a deep mutual respect and unwavering support.
As a devoted mother, Valerie leaves behind her two children, Lee and Faye and Step children Andrew and Carol, her 9 Grandchildren, Rudy, Charlie, Oliver, Georgia, Maggie, Ruth, Bradley, Connor and Kieran.as well as her much loved daughters in law Jenny and Katarina.
Many were deeply enriched by her unconditional love and friendship. She was a nurturing, positive influence to so many, a constant source of strength and comfort, always pushing them to pursue their dreams and face challenges with courage and grace.
Although Valerie's world revolved around her family, her warmth extended far beyond, touching the lives of so many in her community and her beloved friends whom she loved and cherished.
Valerie was well known for her active participation in many local Amateur dramatics such as Pals and Playmakers.
Her passion for amateur dramatics showcased her creativity and zest for life, illuminating community stages with her performances and infusing them with a sense of fun and camaraderie. Valerie's commitment to the arts brought together members of the community, fostering lasting connections and friendships
One of Valerie’s passions was her garden where she cultivated not only a vibrant array of flowers but also a sanctuary of tranquility for family and friends. Her love for nature was reflected in her artistry— her garden a testament to her creativity, and patient, loving care.
Valerie's fun-loving nature and positivity left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Valerie’s legacy of kindness and countless acts of love and generosity as she selflessly dedicated her time to helping those around her, will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.
In honouring Valerie's life, her family invites you to join them in celebrating her journey and cherishing the precious memories she leaves behind.
if you would like to donate to a charity close to her heart, in memory of Val, here are the following links
https://roycastle.org/ways-to-give
www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/will-you-help-our-nurses-be-there-more-people-sd2?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_social&utm_campaign=faf_services_sd2&utm_id=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAA9VmYOV24th68KekzXlLYm8MLyYW-&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhciRsejNjAMVgZRQBh2oVTz2EAAYASAAEgLVevD_BwE
https://donate.cancerresearchuk.org/donate?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw--K_BhB5EiwAuwYoypeZ2-N-xZYDozKqDKFT-Uf3B32J3oHJi7fEL2Eyd2pT6_MExY5FtRoCPbgQAvD_BwE
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You brightened the life of every person who ever got the pleasure of knowing you. You were the most loving and caring woman I have ever known. You were always the calm in the chaos. I will be forever grateful for the time I had with you and the lessons I learnt. You would always call us your treasures and now you will be forever treasured by us. I miss you every day. Rest peacefully Nanny, I love you.
You’ve known me since I was 11, and I spent so many happy times in your house as a teenager. When I think of your home, I remember cups of tea, curled up in your comfy chairs - and laughing with Ken and his guitar at Christmas time. When I opened the airing cupboard last week, I saw the hair towels that all of us sat in after you’d permed our hair, and it took me right back to those days.
You were at my wedding, you watched my children grow up, and always took an interest in what they were doing.
You were a constant in my life - you knew me as a girl, as a woman, as a mother and a wife. We saw each other at high points and low points. Births, deaths and marriages and everything in between.
I’m not sure how everyone will be able to grieve your loss, but I’m going to remember you whenever I drink hot tea, when I see a beautiful garden, when I listen to Dionne Warwick or Burt Bacharach, and when I look at your beautiful Grandson.
Sleep peacefully Val. Rest now ♥️
Val did the make up for all my productions and December 2023, played a hilarious pirate and stole the show.
She was there for me when my husband died young, she was there for me when I had cancer and I was there for her when she needed me.
I am proud of her and will miss her so much - it feels empty under this roof we shared.
Rest well and rest in love.
We miss you more than words can ever say.
Life without you feels quieter, a little dimmer, because you were the one who brought so much colour, warmth, and joy to our world. You had this incredible ability to light up a room just by walking into it. Your energy was infectious, your laughter unforgettable, and your love for life something we all admired deeply.
You truly lived life to the full.
You never sat still for long — always out and about, surrounded by people who adored you. Your social life was something else! You were the heartbeat of every gathering, the one everyone gravitated toward, the one who always knew how to make someone smile, feel seen, and feel special. It’s no wonder you were so loved — not just by us, but by so many others too.
One memory we keep so close to our hearts is the time we spent with you in Abu Dhabi. Especially when we 'camped out' in the desert, with the warm sand underfoot, the sun dipping low behind the dunes, and laughter echoing through the stillness, that was truly magical. You said afterwards that the memory became your bubble, a place you could return to in your mind when life felt heavy. Knowing that it brought you peace means the world to us. It's become our bubble too now — a safe, beautiful memory we can slip into whenever we miss you most.
We think of you every day.
Kat misses your chats, your warmth, and your kindness. Charlie and Oliver miss their lovely Nan, the one who made everything more fun, who gave the best cuddles and always made them feel so loved.
There’s a space in our lives now, but in that space lives all the memories, all the love, and everything you meant to us. And somehow, that keeps us going. Your spirit is everywhere, in the stories we tell, in the way we laugh, and in the way we try to live with the same openness and joy that you showed us.
Thank you for being our everything.
We’ll carry you with us, always.
With all our love,
Lee, Kat, Charlie & Oliver xx
not feel the same from here on. I hope she is at peace now and she will never be forgotten. We love you Val xxx
One of my favourite memories of her is from her 80th birthday party. She hosted it in her stunning garden, and I remember stepping into it and feeling completely enchanted.
It looked like something out of a storybook —roses and peonies in full bloom, colours bursting in every direction: a true wonderland. I remember thinking, “Surely she must have a gardener?" But no. It was all her. A true labour of love and a perfect reflection of who she was—elegant, vibrant, full of life.
That day, I also realised just how loved she was. The garden was packed with people who adored her. There was a barbershop quartet singing in the sunshine, a gorgeous cake and a photo frame passed around so she could capture a moment with each of her guests. She looked radiant—so happy, so proud, so thoroughly in her element, surrounded by flowers and family. Her heaven, I’m sure.
That’s the memory I’ll carry with me: Val, beaming with joy in her magical garden, surrounded by people who loved her as much as she deserved to be.
The Isle of Wight each summer were always fun and they were always sunny! Just like her. I’m so sorry you’re gone - we will miss you so much x x x
Sat with my mom talking about about your witty sense of humour and constant warm energy every time you were around anybody
Selfless, radiant, funny, caring
We will always remember you in the most positive and comforting way
Always member the times we spent in your lovely garden and with you doing the "Not too tight!" Perms.
You and Ken were always good friends to me.
Thank you for that.
Good journey in the spirit world hun. X
Glad to have spent time with her, she was full of life.
May she be at peace in eternal rest with her love, Ken ❤ xxx
Thoughts are with you x
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