Valerie Mehalic

Valerie Mehalic took flight with the angels on Saturday, November 4, 2023 following a lengthy and private battle with cancer. Valerie was at peace in her home, held by her husband Mitchell and circled in love by her daughters and siblings.

Born in western Pennsylvania, where Valerie and Mitch met camping in the early 70s, Val relocated immediately after their connection. Moving to Willoughby in 1973, Valerie would become a Cleveland loyal and always considered Mentor her home. Val and Mitch raised their daughters in Mentor and created the same home Val was welcomed to by Chuck and Lillian Mehalic when she moved. Neighbors and strangers alike knew the safe space created by a Mehalic home, and Valerie carried what she learned, proudly, while instilling it in another generation.

Valerie and Mitchell were together over 50 years, celebrating their 45th anniversary together this past June. They were covered in the colors of their wedding and memories of the music, sights, people and love that started their legacy. To witness the way they looked at each other was a blessing in itself—may their love transcend with all who have loved them as well. It is the greatest honor to their testimony of devotion, strength, and unconditional love.

Valerie worked in many places before raising her girls and others in her own day care in the 1980s. She went back to school and work when her daughters were small, with the perfect partnership to foster both family and each other. Valerie would go on to graduate with her Associate’s Degree alongside her daughter Ariane, one of the proudest days of her life. Val valued not just higher learning, but true knowledge. Her success was simply a side effect of her drive and desire to always be the best she could at anything she attempted.

Some of the moments she really proved her drive and power were when Val was in “Mom Mode.” Her daughters treasure the sacrifices Valerie made to provide incredible core memories of concerts in the 80s and 90s, along with the others she made. Val was protective to the core, and appreciated when others would do the same. Just like many turn to Mitch for their car questions, anyone could turn to Valerie to answer anything else. She was knowledgeable about so much and always ready to “go to bat” for someone she cared about and a cause she believed. Not only did she love unconditionally, as her eldest can gratefully attest, but she did so fiercely. To be loved by Valerie was a true blessing.

Valerie and Mitchell were married at St. Bede in 1978 and attended the church with their family through their time at home together. For more than 20 years Valerie and Mitch worked together at Hasek Automotive, where they made countless connections spanning multiple cities. When Mitch came back to work in Lake County, Val went to work at CGI Federal downtown. She loved a challenge and proved it with perpetual promotions and growing responsibility. Val thrived effortlessly at management, especially in her last position as a financial analyst.

Valerie wore her heart on her sleeve and never minced words. She let you know how she felt about you and did so with purpose. If she shared an anecdote with you, or most of all a song, know that’s her sign. Val did everything with intention, and expressed herself uniquely. She was so grateful to have so much love around her, and will continue to remind us of it with joy.

There will be no services at Valerie’s request, and family is wordlessly grateful for the support received in the last two weeks. Gratitude to local families, friends, and businesses who have been generous with gifts, nourishment, and support. Eternal gratitude to the Longo family and its Friday night Mentor Ave. crew, Mitch’s coworkers at Gerber Collision, Ariane’s family at Dr. Philip J. Weiss and associates, and CGI Federal for their ongoing support of the Mehalics. The staff at Hillcrest Hospital and Hospice of the Western Reserve hold special places with the family for their compassion in caring for Valerie. 

Valerie was welcomed home by their first baby, Shanna Lynn; her father Paul, in-laws Chuck and Lillian, sister Patti Marie, dear friends Mary Ann (Don) Crooker, and protective brothers-in-law Mike Goodnight and recently, Charles Oblich.

Celebrating Valerie’s legacy, her one true soulmate and only love, Mitchell Mehalic of Mentor; daughters Michelle (Kristoffer) Mehalic and Ariane (Ryan) Kirschner support Mitch in this time. Blessed to have the best grandma in the world are Anthony Jr, Avalon, and Ryan. Valerie has also been a loving and FUN aunt to over 25 nieces and nephews, over 21 great nieces and nephews-- one on the way, and one making her entrance the same hour Valerie crossed realms. So many blessings of life! Brought to us thanks to Valerie’s amazing siblings: Randy & Vickie, Faith and Donald, Jennifer, Paul Joseph, Matthew, Damian & Sheila, Charles and Heidi, John & Stacy, Gary & Mica, Patti & Bruce, Loren, Lynley, and Deidre & Kent. Valerie’s mother Mary, 93, brought it all together over 50 years ago. We are all so blessed to be part of such a major circle of love! Valerie’s extended family went beyond blood and for that, we are all truly grateful.

Mitchell and his daughters have appreciated the privacy and support from the community and look forward to individual contact when scheduled. With gratitude and love, the Mehalic family looks forward to carrying Valerie’s compassionate and magical spirit through Mentor forever.