Obituary of Valerie Jean Bates

Valerie Jean Bates, age 81, passed away on January 2, 2026.

She was born on November 29, 1944, in Buffalo, New York.

Valerie was predeceased by her beloved mother, Arlene D. Bates, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends, David Kosel and Doris Britt.

She is lovingly survived by her cherished “sisters,” Susan Siesto (“Sister Dear”) and Alice Yatarola (“Lil Sis”), and their families. Susan and her husband Fred; their sons Paul, David, and Michael (Valerie’s godson); Alice and her husband Michael; their children Craig, Laura, and Eric; and granddaughter Skylar Rose. Valerie is also survived by cousins Barbara Bates and Michelle Coyle, along with longtime friends Carole Sydelnik and Kathy Perry.

Valerie attended Franklin High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). She retired from Xerox Corporation in Webster, New York, after many years of dedicated service.

Valerie cherished her years spent lakeside as a longtime resident of Oklahoma Beach, NY, and as a snowbird in Leesburg, Florida. She deeply valued time with family and friends and delighted in playing Double Pinochle, Euchre, and Scrabble. Valerie loved listening to oldies, reminiscing about the “old days,” and sharing her endless supply of comical and fascinating stories. One of a kind, her jovial presence and boisterous laughter will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Alice and Michael would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Valerie’s loving friends who assisted her in later years with tasks and appointments she could no longer manage on her own. With sincere gratitude, thank you for your care, compassion, and friendship:
Kurt and Diane Knoll, Denise Palis, Debbie and Randy Redman, and Peter Wing.
To the many other friends and neighbors who helped and made Valerie’s life more pleasant, thank you so much.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at United Church of Christ Congregational, 570 Klem Road, Webster, NY. There will be no prior calling hours. Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Valerie’s memory to the Salvation Army, the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choosing.