Valerie Elizabeth Tunstall

1928 - 2017

Valerie Elizabeth Tunstall obituary, 1928-2017, Kenner, LA

BORN

1928

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Valerie Tunstall Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 3, 2017.

Valerie Elizabeth Tunstall, 88, died at home Sunday, July 2, 2017, of complications from congestive heart failure. Born August 8, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was a 1945 graduate of Eleanore McMain High School, trained at the Eddie Reggio studio and was a performer in the New Orleans entertainment industry during the variety show era. Performing under the stage name Valerie Gay at various local venues such as the Pete Herman Club and Al Hirt’s Club and in USO shows during World War II, she lived in New Orleans most of her life amid short periods in Boston, Massachusetts, and Charleston, West Virginia, and relocated to Kenner, Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina. Survived by her four daughters, Bonnie Tunstall, Terrie Poehl (Chuck), Kerrie Slaton (Kelvin) and Sherrie Portwood (John); four grandchildren, Leslie Slaton Ducatel (Mark), Meredith Portwood, Sabrina Portwood, and John Portwood III and one great-granddaughter, Amelia Ducatel. A parishioner of Divine Mercy. Valerie is also survived by many friends and relatives, young and old and will be missed by all. Was preceded in death by her parents Marie and William Gatipon, Sr., brother Bill Gatipon, Jr., infant grandson Jonathan Slaton, former husband Edmund Tunstall, and her beloved Yorkies: Trixie, Alexie and Daphine. A wake will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Sunday, July 9, 2017 from 5:00p.m. until 8:00p.m.; the Rosary will be said at 7:00p.m. Visitation on Monday, July 10, 2017, beginning at 9:30a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie at 12:00p.m. Interment following at Lake Lawn Park and Mausoleum culminating with a gathering for family and friends (details announced at the Mass) celebrating Valerie’s life. Her daughters would like to thank Elaine Talley, Lejina Bell and Sharon LeBlanc for their loving care of Mom. Their appreciation is also given to the caring and professional staff of Passages Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations to the World War II Museum in Valerie’s memory are preferred. Donations can be mailed to 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70130; completed online accessing Honor/Tribute gift tab; or by phone at 504-528-1944 ext. 396. Please mention her name when donating. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?

July 16, 2017

Stella Charles

Bonnie, so sorry I missed your moms funeral Her picture is perfect, looks just like her. My prayers are with you and your family during this time. Your mom just like you was and is a beautiful person inside and out..
Stella Charles

July 14, 2017

Bonnie,
Tommy and I were very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Tommy and Thelma Celestin

July 13, 2017

J. Harry Buisson, Jr.

Dearest Bonnie, Terrie, Kerrie, and Sherrie,

I have just read the disturbing news of the passing of your beloved "Mom". I certainly would have attended her services had I known sooner.

Words cannot begin to convey to you my sorrow for your loss. I am fondly remembering many of the conversations I shared with her when we lived as neighbors for so many years. And it was so good to again see her the times after Katrina changed our lives. I regret we did not have at least one more recent visit. Valerie was one of the nicest and kindest ladies I have ever met. She was a genuine and good person!

My deepest sympathy to you and your families. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Be Strong,
Harry Buisson

July 13, 2017

Susan Hadden

Bonnie I am so sad to here of your loss I know how close you where to your mother she was a beautiful lady I remember the last time I saw the to two of you it was Thanks Giving about three years ago I lost my brother last month I know this is a sad time for you may God Bless you and your family love always
Susan Hadden
(Peppermill)

July 13, 2017

J. Harry Buisson, Jr.

Dearest Bonnie, Terrie, Kerrie, and Sherrie,

I have just read the disturbing news of the passing of your beloved "Mom". I certainly would have attended her services had I known sooner.

Words cannot begin to convey to you my sorrow for your loss. I am fondly remembering many of the conversations I shared with her when we lived as neighbors for so many years. And it was so good to again see her the times after Katrina changed our lives. I regret we did not have at least one more recent visit.

My deepest sympathy to you and your families. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Be Strong,
Harry Buisson

July 12, 2017

Marty Young

Terrie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing my mom was the hardest thing I have had to do. Prayers and thoughts are with you. Love, Marty

July 11, 2017

Patricia Brown

Requiem eternam.

July 11, 2017

Nona Colombo

Bonzie... Im so sorry I couldnt be with you during this most difficult time... You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Sunday night and Monday, you didnt leave my mind. I said so many prayers for you and your family... Ms. Val was a wonderful lady...May she find eternal peace in God's loving arms. When I come to town I want to get together so we can celebrate the vibrant life of Ms. Val. Hugs and love from Tony and I.... Nona xxx

July 11, 2017

Bonnie, Terrie, Kerrie and Sherrie, So very sorry that your Mom passed away. You have our deepest sympathy. Dottie Ziegler, Cheryl and Roxie

July 11, 2017

Millie Ball

Bonnie - Sending sympathy and virtual hugs to you and your family. ❤

July 10, 2017

Sweet Bonnie and sisters, Mrs. Valerie will be missed! We loved our lunch dates and I loved when she would tell me that I reminded her of Bess. Moms make the traditions and keep your memories close. I am so sorry at her passing. Love and condolences to all.
Noel, John, Jared, Joel, Sean and all four Grandkids

July 9, 2017

Kathy Harrell

I will always remember that whenever Bonnie, Joanne and I went on vacation we always started our vacation with a beautifully wrapped gift from Mrs. Tunstall. Always remembering us and sending us off with many blessings

I knew Mrs. Tunstall, through her daughter, my dear friend, Bonnie. Bonnie was always there for her mother, When Mrs. Tunstall was well Bonnie always made sure that they had fun things to do and places to go. They spent many weekends shopping together and having lunch at their favorite restaurant, Andrea's.

Bonnie saw to it that her mother was always a priority in her life especially when she became ill, With the help of her sisters she was able to care for her mother at home. I often told Bonnie how blessed her mother was to have such a caring daughter.

I know Mrs. Tunstall will surely be missed by all who knew her. The loss of a mother is a loss that lives with us always. I offer my deepest condolences to Mrs. Tunstall's Family and will keep them in my prayers.

Love and peace to all,
Kathy Harrell

July 9, 2017

Deb and Zoë Hernandez

Faith:
When you get to the end of your Rope!! Tie a knot in it and hang on.

Bonnie, Your mom taught us all well how to smile often, you show our pearls plenty too.

Love you and your beautiful Family.

I'm here to help if you need anything.

Warm hugs and lots of Love,

July 8, 2017

Ben Herrle

Very sorry to hear about Miss Valerie's passing. I always enjoyed Her and Miss Bonnie's trips to brunch at Antoine's.

July 8, 2017

Jo A. Carter

Terrie and Kerrie, my love and deepest sympathy I offer during this time of irreplaceable loss. Your families are all in my thoughts and prayers.

July 7, 2017

Sharon Leblanc

Sorry for your lost.. I will miss our talks!!!!! I love you guys!!!

July 6, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Valerie's passing. I thought so much of her when I babysat for the girls years ago when they lived in the Carrollton section of New Orleans. prayers to all of you. Vivian Hanemann Phillips

July 6, 2017

Patricia Hagmann

My prayers to your family at this time. Kerrie, Terrie, Bonnie do not hesitate if you need my assistance. Much love to you guys during this time. love Pat

July 5, 2017

Eric and Suzie Thompson

Bonnie,
Suzie and I are so sorry to hear that your mother passed away, we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

July 5, 2017

Dear family, so sorry to hear of Valerie's passing. She was a very sweet lady and we will always remember the little. "Butterfly dollars" she thoughtfully made for our children when they were young. We really enjoyed her company over at ceily, and unc. Charley's house on mayo road. Our prayers are with all of you.
Jean and Raymond (Mandeville, la.)

July 5, 2017

Duane Griggs

I met Valerie Tunstall in the early '80's when she brought in her little Yorkie Trixie for me to treat. That was the beginning of a dear friendship that grew to include her daughters and their families as well.
Valerie was a vivacious, fun-loving person whose love for her dogs was unsurpassed.
Through the years we shared many happy birthdays, Christmas get-togethers, and dinners. We also mourned the losses of her dear Yorkies Trixie, Alexie, and Daphne, and the loss of her home to hurricane Katrina.
The collection of mementos give to me over the years from Valerie is a history of New Orleans, the Saints, and Mardi Gras.
I will miss her kind voice and her joy of life.
My sincere condolences to Bonnie, Kerrie, Terrie, and Sherrie, and their families.

July 4, 2017

Susan Landry

Bonnie, our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother. May you find peace and comfort in knowing she is not suffering anymore but is now an angel in Heaven watching over you and your sisters. Your family is in our prayers.
Susan, Gary, and Mama Audrey.

July 4, 2017

Sally Frey

Bonnie, Kerrie, Terrie and Sherrie
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I have know you all for 48 years and your Mother will always have a very special place in my heart. I loved her and always enjoyed spending time with her (even though I had to always tell her I was picking her up 30 earlier - so she would be ready for the time that I wanted to leave). She would always laugh and tell me I was bad when I joked with her about that. I so enjoyed my last visit with your Mom in February this year. I sat with her and we talked, laughed and cried, while reminiscing about old memories and the future. I will always treasure that special visit. Your Mom was a very kind, generous and loving lady.
Your Mom told me during my visit in February "when you see a star in the sky shining down on you, know that it will be me looking down at you". So I look toward the sky in hopes of seeing that star.
Love, Sally

July 4, 2017

JoAnn Chiasson

Bonnie and family
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.
God Bless
JoAnn and Bob

July 4, 2017

Jo ann Chiasson

Bonnie,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother . You were a caring and loving daughter and friend. May you find peace with happy memories!
JoAnn and Bob

July 3, 2017

Annette Sonnier

Dear Bonnie,My prayers for you and your family at this time of sorrow. Don't know if you remember me. I taught you in 1st grade at Mater Dolorosa. I remember you very well.You had beautiful hair. You were a very pretty little girl. Your Mother took very good care of you girls.

I was Sister Raymond

July 3, 2017

EJ Cox

We will remember Ms Valerie and her family in our prayers.

July 3, 2017

EJ Cox

We will remember Ms. Valerie and all of her family in our prayers.

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for Valerie Tunstall

Jul

9

Wake

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

Jul

9

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

Jul

10

Visitation

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

Jul

10

Funeral Mass

12:00 p.m.

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

Jul

10

Interment

Lake Lawn Park and Mausoleum

LA 70124

Funeral services provided by:

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124

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