Valerie "Val" Ogier

Valerie “Val” Ogier, a beloved matriarch and vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026 at the age of 84. Born on November 19, 1941, Val led a life rich with accomplishment, compassion, and love that left an indelible mark on all who had the fortune of knowing her. Val’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love for her family and friends. She cherished her husband, Charles Ogier, with whom she shared almost 50 years of marriage. Their bond was one of mutual admiration and unwavering support, a partnership that stood as a testament to enduring love. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, warm memories, and a family that flourished under their guidance. Val is survived by her son, John Ogier, and two daughters, Yvonne (Chris) Jordan and Dawn (David) Lyons. Val took great pride in her family, and her legacy continues through her grandchildren Abigail Grant, Benjamin Jordan, Bryan Jordan, and Allison Grant, as well as her step-grandchildren Blake, Janelle and Cooper Lyons. She was affectionately known as “Ama.” In addition to her children and grandchildren, Val is survived by her brother, John (Debra) Pokorski; her nieces Jennifer (Matthew) Carey, Colleen (Steven) Mance, Kathleen (Matthew) Andres, and Beth (Jeremiah) Ellis; her nephews Jeffrey (Marianne) Groth, Michael (Anne) Sullivan, Thad Pokorski, and Scott (Nichol) Pokorski; her grandnieces Gwen Solis, Olivia Pokorski, Harper Ellis and Ella Sullivan; and her grandnephews Noah Ellis, Ryan Sullivan, Wyatt Ellis, Donovan Andres and Asher Pokorski. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her loving parents, Thaddeus and Hattie Pokorski; and her siblings Martha Sullivan and Melanie Groth. Valerie spent her life involved with many groups and organizations, including the Daughter’s of Isabella, the ADK, the Memorial Day Parade Committee, and OPRAH. In 1999, Chuck and Val became certified facilitators for Low Vision Support and co-founded the Shelby Low Vision Support Group, continuing their commitment to helping others. She graduated from Nativity High School in 1959 and went on to attend the University of Detroit before it had “Mercy”. She graduated from the University of Detroit in 1963 with a bachelor’s in philosophy. She received a Master of Arts (Education) from the University of Michigan in 1968. She loved to tell people that she was the only person she knew who graduated without taking a math class. Val began substitute teaching with Warren Consolidated Schools and soon became a dynamic classroom teacher. She started at Frost, moved to Wilde when Frost closed, and ended her career at Carter Middle School. She taught all grade levels from first through sixth. She retired from WCS in 1998. Not quite ready to hang up her hat, Val went on to work at Oakland University, where she helped guide a new generation of teachers on their path to graduation. Val lived in Shelby Township on Lake Tiara for 30 years before moving to Pomeroy Assisted Living in Sterling Heights in 2024. As we remember Val, let us carry forward her spirit of creativity, generosity, and humor, cherishing every moment and preserving the love she so freely gave. She may have left this world, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Please share a memory with the family on Val’s obituary guestbook. In lieu of flowers, donations in Val’s memory may be directed to Accent Care Hospice, Multiple Sclerosis Association, ALS of Michigan, Leader Dog for the Blind or a charity of your choice.

Valerie "Val" Ogier

November 19, 1941 - February 16, 2026