Leverda A. "Miss Lee" Valence

Leverda A. “Miss Lee” Valence, age 89, died peacefully on June 4, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family. A businesswoman and educator from a young age, she owned Miss Lee’s Kiddiegarten located in Westwego for over 45 years. Miss Lee educated generations of families, touching the lives of over 2,000 young children and their parents and grandparents. Miss Lee was a lifelong resident of Westwego and a graduate of Westwego High School and Holy Cross College. She loved to sing and was a member of the choir at Immaculate Conception Church. She was also active in the Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority, Theta Master Chapter. With her sorority sisters she traveled all over the world on Marian pilgrimages, praying and enjoying her friends’ laughter and joy. She was a member of the Westwego Historical Society and many other clubs including gardening, sewing, quilting, and playing cards. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jerry J. Valence and is survived by her children: Byron D. Valence, Desiree V. Connell (Tim), and Janelle V. Cranmer-Herbert (Bryan); and her grandchildren: Hillary E. Connell and Addison P. Cranmer. She was the daughter of the late Freddy and Alzena Arcement and sister to Janet Dufrene and the late Enola “Keenie” Sonnier and the late Freddy “Butch” Arcement. Leverda is also survived by many nieces and nephews; she will be greatly missed by many family and friends who loved her. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ( www.jdrf.org ) or Alzheimer’s Association ( www.alz.org ) or Masses in her memory. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Memorial Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 4401 Seventh Street, Marrero, Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 12:00 noon. A Memorial Visitation will be at the church from 11:00-Noon. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family during this most difficult time. Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com.