Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory Logo

302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Alice L. Valdes

Alice L. Valdes, age 93, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at her home.

Alice was born in Nashville, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Carl S. and Gertrude Smith Valdes. After her graduation from St. Vincent Academy, St. Vincent, KY she served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1953. After boot camp, she was assigned to attend the Naval Aviation Electronics Training School in Memphis, TN., after which she was assigned to FAETU, the Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit in Norfolk, VA.

She attained a rating of Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AT1).

After her discharge from the Navy, she enrolled at Temple University and received a B.A. After graduation from Temple University, she served as a classroom teacher of Mathematics at Bayard Junior High School in Wilmington, DE for 10 years. During that period, she earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Delaware. She subsequently had been awarded an NDEA grant to attend Lehigh University for a two-year doctoral Program in Educational Research and Measurement. Having successfully completed the program, she earned her doctorate from Lehigh University.

Alice was employed by Research for Better Schools (RBS), a federally funded program in Philadelphia, PA, for 5 years. She attained the position of Deputy Director of Evaluation for the programs under development in the laboratory. She left RBS to take employment by the State of Delaware in the Planning, Research and Evaluation Division in the Department of Public Instruction. In May of 1990, Alice received the Delaware Order of The First State from Governor Mike Castle. She worked for the State of Delaware for 15 years until her retirement in 1990.

She enjoyed her retirement years among other things, working in flower and vegetable gardens.

Alice leaves behind no blood relatives, she is predeceased by dear friend, Agnes Pearce, who passed away 8 days prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, KY, P.O.Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048-0009.

 

Funeral Services

A private graveside service was held at Silverbrook Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.

Condolences

    Steve Schwartz lit a candle and writes,
    Alice was a wonderful mentor to me thirty-five years ago as I worked to try to get data-based decision-making to be the norm in Delaware schools. She had a full grasp of statistical models and approaches, and yet she also had deep understanding of teaching and learning. Exceedingly easy to work with -- with a dry but extremely pleasant wit -- she had a profoundly positive impact on me and my career. I regret that I lost track of Alice after she retired to her gardens. She was one of the good ones!
    06/21/2021 10:42 am
    Marie Nonnenmacher writes,
    I feel compelled to mark the passing of this extraordinary woman. I met Alice in the late 1980s when we were part of a van-pool commuting from New Castle to Dover for our jobs with the State of Delaware. She was working for the Education Department at that time and I worked for the Budget Office. We commuted on the van pool for several years, along with other state employees. Being in the car together for 2 hours each day over the course of several years offers plenty of time to chat. Alice was well-versed in a number of topics. I did not know about her military background, until I read about it in her obituary, but I was not surprised by her many accomplishments. Conversations with Alice were always fascinating and thought provoking. Alice questioned everything, making sure statements made as facts could be backed up with data or information. She did not suffer fools gladly. I have not seen or talked to Alice for over 30 years but I am saddened by her passing and I am glad I had the privilege of knowing her.
    06/21/2021 06:31 pm

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

When you "Light a Candle" the candle image is posted with your condolence.

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.