Valda Theodora Tormey
Feb. 21, 1925-Nov. 27, 2024
Mountain View, California

Valda Theodora Cardoza Tormey was born at home in Half Moon Bay, CA. on February 21, 1925 to Manuel E. “Pat” Cardoza and Valda Malvina Cardoza. She was the youngest of five children. By her account she spent an idyllic childhood with lots of picnics and Sunday drives. Both sets of her grandparents lived nearby.

After graduating from Half Moon Bay High School in 1942, she attended the College of San Mateo, then San Jose State University from which she received a teaching credential. Valda taught for 35 years in Palo Alto Unified School District and after retiring gave twenty more years to substituting in that same district. She lived for nearly 30 years in Los Altos before settling in Mountain View where she resided for 45 years. This active senior gave her time and belonged to many groups including Neighbors Abroad, AAUW, Nat’l Education Assoc., California Teachers Assoc., ADK, Alpha Chi Omega, San Jose State University Alumni Assoc., California Retired Teachers Assoc., and United Methodist Women of LAUMC, among others.

Valda passed away on November 27, 2024 at the age of 99 ¾ years old. She is survived by her 5 children; Vallen Queen, Betsey Sowder, Brian Tormey (Millie), Kris Miravalle (Butch), and Kathleen Keehn (the late Scott) , 10 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren all of whom adored her. A woman who was kind and sweet beyond belief, she will be greatly missed.

Tags: teacher/educator