"Val was one of the most caring individuals I've ever met. We worked very closely during the years of our Boy Scouts Commissioner Service in Area 3. She was really dedicated in making sure that every Unit had the opportunity to succeed. As Chancellor of the College of Commissioner of Science, she put together a venue that received rave reviews from the Boy Scouts National Commissioner, Charles Dahlquist. Her family, her friends, and Scouting will sorely miss her. You just can't replace a person as wonderful as Val."
In loving memory of
Valerie G. Kalwas
August 10, 1950 - August 20, 2021
August 20, 2021. Valerie is predeceased by her mother, Ruth Garabedian & sister, Elizabeth Harendza. She is survived by her husband, Robert Kalwas; son Bill Kalwas; father, Vahe Garabedian; siblings, Carol Goulian, Haig (Anne) Garabedian & Gwen (Michael) Kania; sister-in-law Jean (Paddy Nolan) Kalwas; many nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends.
Valerie was a graduate of the Eastman School of Music Class of 1972 with a Bachelor of Music degree. After performing as a freelance musician and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra she began her career in banking. Valerie started with First National Bank of Rochester in 1979 holding numerous positions ranging from Teller to Branch Manager. Her favorite positions involved training new and existing employees. After a brief pause from banking she re-entered with the Bank of Castile where she held similar positions until her retirement in 2015.
Never being one to sit idle Valerie volunteered countless hours with the Boy Scouts of America beginning in 1988 as a Tiger Cub Leader then moving on to Assistant Scout Master, Scout Master, Council Commissioner, Trainer, Co-Training Chair & District Training Chair. She led numerous Commissioner Colleges and Woodbadge courses. In addition she held numerous Board positions ranging from local to regional to membership Boards as well as with the Seneca Waterways Council and was grateful for numerous recognition ceremonies including the Silver Beaver in 2002. She was instrumental in district restructuring more recently and had the highlight of her scouting journey early this year when she sat on the Eagle Board of reviews for the 1st and 2nd female Eagles in the Rochester Area.
In her free time Valerie enjoyed gardening, spending time with family and taking classes on cooking, wine and cake decorating. Her favorite hobby surrounded sewing, embroidery and quilting where she not only took but led classes. She truly enjoyed creating works of art for others with an amazing group of friends and so looked forward to quilting retreats with all of them.
Valerie's life story will be shared during her visitation at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, (between 390 & Long Pond), Friday, August 27th, 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Her Funeral Service will be celebrated, Saturday, August 28th, 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Seneca Waterways Council, 2320 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd., Rochester, NY 14623 in her memory.
Tributes
"Val was a great friend, personal and scouting, loved very much for her sincere loving concern. Her passing leaves a hole in my life. Love, Dantelope Dan Scurlock"
"As children, I attended Sunday school with Valerie at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Binghamton, NY. I am very sad to hear of her passing."
"The world lost a kind and caring soul. Scouting lost a visionary servant leader. I lost a truly great friend. I am grateful to have known Val and I will try to live up to her example. A high bar indeed."
"A very caring and wonderful person. You will be missed"
"A loving, talented, and visionary person. She will be dearly missed. "
"Very sad that such a wonderful person has passed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her entire family."
"My thoughts and prayers are with you. We have wonderful memories of her when we used to watch our sons play baseball together. May all the memories you have of her help ease your sorrow. Love and hugs to you. Patti Fields "
"I will always cherish my memories of what a warm, compassionate lady Valerie was. We met via Scouting, but our friendship grew beyond that, as we bonded when we learned that we both had suffered the loss of a sister. My deepest, deepest condolences & prayers go out to Val?s family during this difficult time ??????????"
"Val was a beautiful I inside and out. She will be greatly missed. We were sewing friends and spent many a happy day together learning and laughing. Heaven will be a happier place with Val there."