It is with great sadness that we inform the JAGS community of the passing of Valerie née Stone JAGS Alumna from the Class of 1967.

Her widower, David, said:

"After leaving JAGS, Valerie studied at Westminster College receiving an Advanced Stage Certificate in Foreign Languages for Industry and Commerce, quickly securing secretarial work in London and later in Paris, where some actually thought she was French as her language was so good! Her skills and experience enabled her to later create her own computer company which was highly successful. In the next phase of her life she brought up two girls, ran the company and after being headhunted for the role of Director of International Sales (Europe) for a major international toner technology company, she proved that it was possible to combine science and languages, contrary to what one of her teachers had said! Her idea was to have a multilingual team so that it would be able to communicate proficiently to secure major contracts with all European countries and Japan, which paid off big time. Valerie believed in having face to face contacts with clients whenever possible, so she regularly travelled to meet company directors in many cities.

"Now for some of my history, as there very strong threads and connections with JAGS. I believe that my personal and professional development have been shaped by JAGS’ ethos and legacy as my mother Jeanne Bracher, also went to JAGS in the last few years leading up to the Second World War! Both my mother and Valerie believed in the value of education and were both avid readers, something I’m sure would have been acquired at school. They both went together to one of the reunions some years ago.

"In 1993 I met Valerie, and we married in 1999. Despite her commitment to work she always found the time to type my essays, papers and the dissertation for my doctoral studies at Bristol. On the basis of my work, including a major research/policy document presented to the CEO of Somerset which was highly regarded, I was asked to become a lecturer/tutor on the Bristol University Educational Psychology Training Programme in charge of students’ research commissions. I think to a large extent these circumstances came about because of Val’s brilliant skills for organisational presentation, in conjunction with her grammar and spelling which were second to none. She always proof read my work!

"Throughout our relationship of 33 years there have been many times when Val turned down offers of senior management in well known national organisations, preferring instead to work with me as my business manager for an educational psychology service and to ensure that I would complete my doctoral studies.

"Val was very keen on sport at JAGS which later helped her to share with me the running of the village hall sports club, consisting of indoor bowls and table tennis with me as coach. Val was recently nominated by Yeovil for the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ endorsed by Table Tennis England, for her work in providing playing and training experiences for all ages and abilities. Between us we created a model for other Somerset village clubs to follow.

"I think the histories of my mother, Valerie and myself, are examples of the lasting impact of JAGS education, along with the belief in the value of lifelong learning has enriched our lives, for which I will be forever grateful. Valerie exemplified all that is great about JAGS, for example, challenging the role of women in a male dominated work place; challenging boundaries; having a strong work ethic, alongside a sharp academic wit and brilliant linguistic skills. She was devoted to the family. She had a wonderful sense of humour, and a great sense of self-confidence and self-belief under the most trying of circumstances which she felt was one of the greatest gifts of her JAGS education. All of these great qualities helped her to become a genuine high achiever and a greatly admired person who always had time for anyone."