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Valerie joined the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology in 1983 as the personal assistant to the then Head of Department, Professor Sir Henry Harris, after previously serving as PA to the Director of Social Services for Oxfordshire County Council. Following the formidable Mrs Finch-Mason, renowned for rigorously controlling access to the head of department, Valerie adopted a different approach, characterised by quiet indispensability and calm efficiency. After Sir Henry’s retirement in 1994, she continued her role as PA to Herman Waldmann, Professor of Pathology and new head of the Dunn School at the time.

After stepping down from her PA duties, Valerie transitioned into the role of part-time administrator for the EPA Cephalosporin Fund, the EPA Research Fund, and the Guy Newton Research Fund—trusts established by Sir Edward Abraham to manage royalties from the antibiotic cephalosporin. Valerie remained dedicated to these roles until her retirement from the Dunn School in 2013.

In addition to her contributions to the department, Valerie had a deep interest in the broader affairs of the University. In 1998, she was appointed as Oxford’s first-ever female Bedel and was later promoted to Senior Bedel, Bedel of Divinity, in 2003. She served in this prestigious role until 2015. Her ceremonial duties were vast, including bearing the mace at University events in the Sheldonian Theatre. She was also frequently seen volunteering as an usher at local performances, including at the Oxford Playhouse Theatre. Her remarkable service was recognised in 2015 when the University awarded her an Honorary Master of Arts degree, joining the ranks of earlier Dunn School stalwarts such as Peggy Turner and Jim Kent.

Valerie will be remembered for her warmth, dedication, and many years of invaluable service to the Dunn School and the University of Oxford. Her presence, both in the department and in the broader life of the University, will be greatly missed.